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Channa argus
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THE CRIMES: Competes with native species for food and habitat during all life stages; juveniles feed on zooplankton (very tiny animals), insect larvae, small crustaceans, and the fry (young) of other fish and adults consume fish, crustaceans, frogs, small reptiles, and even birds and mammals; predatory behaviors could alter or disrupt native aquatic ecosystems; scientists trying to determine if the disease he carries can be passed on to fish in North America. DESCRIPTION: Air-breathing, freshwater fish that resembles the North American native bowfin; long dorsal and anal fins; small head with bigger scales on head than body; large mouth with lower jaw that sticks out and large teeth; coloration and size varies; up to 40" long and 15 lbs. The Interrogation
Where are you from?
I hail from Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Some of my relatives also come from Africa. There are
28 different species of us, and since we look very similar, it's hard to tell us apart. There's at least four species
in the U.S. so far. The more the merrier, I say!
How did you get here?
I arrived in the U.S. one of two ways. I used to be a popular aquarium fish, and occasionally my owners got tired of me
growing and eating everything else in the tank and let me go in the nearest pond, lake, or river. Yippee, I'm free to
stretch my fins! It's my understanding now that in many states I am "illegal" to possess because I am considered a
"nuisance". Hmphf! There are also some humans who think I am a tasty treat, importing me into the U.S. and
releasing me into a pond or lake on purpose, so that I can grow nice and big before they (shudder) catch and eat me!
And they're worried about MY teeth?
I hear you can "get around" on your own without water. You’re just a fish - how’s that possible?
I may be a fish but if I don't find the waters I'm swimming in to my liking, I can travel
across land to find new "digs". I don't even need to hold my breath - I can breathe air when I'm out of the water.
I'm good for 3 or 4 days! Bet you can't hold your breath underwater for that long!
Reward:
The honor of protecting our water resources— A healthier environment
and more opportunities to enjoy our natural areas.
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