• Snakeheads In The Potomac River Update (04/26/2005)
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  Juvenile Northern Snakehead Fish
  Click photo thumbnail above for high-resolution version

Do You Know the Difference?
A Guide to Identifying Snakeheads and Native Fishes

If you think you've caught a snakehead...

Anglers who think they may have caught a snakehead fish are asked NOT to release it, but to call the Department's in-state toll-free, 24-hour Snakehead Fish Hotline at 1-800-770-4951 (out-of-state callers should call directly to 804-367-1258) for a positive identification of the fish. Use the "Do You Know The Difference?" fact sheet to learn how to identify a snakehead fish and how to distinguish one from the native species of bowfin and American eel.

If you still have a snakehead...

Anyone with a snakehead fish should call 1-800-770-4951 immediately to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. Our goal is to achieve voluntary compliance with the law for the protection of our natural resources.

More Information

• 2004 Snakehead Fish Capture Sites map [PDF - 650 KB]
  Although this map is old, and many more snakeheads were captured in 2005; most collection locations did not change greatly. With the exception of two fish in the Anacostia River and numerous young fish in the Dogue Creek headwaters, locations of 2004 fish are good general indicators of highest abundance during most of the year.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about snakehead fish
• Do You Know the Difference?  Snakeheads and Native Fishes