![]() alone, 4,300 of which are considered invasive. There are around 50,000 nonnative species in the U.S. Invasive species have increased as commerce and foreign travel have become more globalized. However, it is not uncommon for northern snakeheads to be illegally sold in areas where their sale is prohibited. To combat the spread of snakeheads in the U.S., the Lacey Act has made it illegal to ship snakeheads across state lines or own the invasive species in many states. Their flexible diets, ability to survive in a wide range of habitats, large spawning sizes (up to 1,500 eggs), and the actions they take to protect their young have allowed them to thrive in the northern United States and southern Canada. Snakeheads were likely introduced to North America through unauthorized, intentional releases from aquariums or live food markets. Without natural predators, these aggressive carnivores can also outcompete native species for food and habitat, making them a threat to the function of local ecosystems. Invasive species are nonnative species that have been introduced to an area where they have a negative impact on local wildlife and ecosystems. Northern snakeheads are considered destructive predators because they prey on smaller fish and may spread parasites to native species. Northern snakehead fish are native to Asia but an invasive species in North America. ![]()
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