A population of Channa argus (Northern Snakehead) was discovered in the Meadow/Willow lakes system in Queens, NY, in 2005 and monitored annually by electrofishing through 2013. Despite apparently suitable habitat, a variety of forage fish species, and rapid early growth by Snakeheads, the Meadow/Willow Snakehead population has not rapidly increased, as seen in many other areas, nor is there any evidence of negative impact on local species. Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of Snakeheads remained relatively constant during the study period, as did CPUE for most other fish species observed, and Snakehead length—weight relationship was nearly identical to that previously reported from the Potomac Basin Northern Snakehead population. Potential causal factors in this lack of (or delay in) population increase include water quality, the presence of other fish species, and angling pressure, although the exact reasons for slow population growth are unknown.
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1 March 2016
Northern Snakeheads in New York City
Melissa K. Cohen,
James A. MacDonald
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Northeastern Naturalist
Vol. 23 • No. 1
March 2016
Vol. 23 • No. 1
March 2016