snakehead fish

[danread]

Ben,

I'm sorry, but you're talking nonsense. If you want examples of how an introduced species can run out of control, do a search on the web for Cane toads or rabbits in australia, or Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese Knotweed) in Europe. The introduction of a predatory snail, Euglandina rosea, to Hawaii was one of the main reasons why over 200 species of endemic (that means only found in one place) species of land snail have been wiped out and become extinct( see here for more details). There are numerous examples of introduces species causing serious damage to ecosystems.
The introduction of a fast breeding agressive and predatory fish such as snakeheads to an ecosystem such as florida could cause much more serious consequences than you think.

 

[eksong]

Dan is right.

In any case however, Ben is correct in that we cannot REALLY tell what consequences the introduction of these "snakehead fish" will bring.

The REASON federal (and state?) laws ban such a fish is not that its introduction WILL wreak havoc on the local ecosystem, but that its introduction MAY wreak havoc. They are simply not willing to take the risk just to appease a select few who want further "enjoyment" in their living room aquarium.

 

[MilkmanWes]

In any case however, Ben is correct in that we cannot REALLY tell what consequences the introduction of these "snakehead fish" will bring.

And ironically Ben makes one of the best arguements against himself here. The unpredictability is why caution is necessary.

Also add to Dans list Japanese Wisteria. If you are in southern GA or FL you may have seen this stuff growing rampant. Originally brought in as a decorative wall climber it now chokes out acres of local flora at a time.

 

[danread]

I agree, there is no guarantee that it will cause a problem. most of the UKs plant life has been imported at one time or another, and many other animlas such as rabbits and pheasants have fitted right in. On the other hand, introducing a fast growing predatory fish is more likely to cause problems, in the UK a fish called the Zander (Stizostedion lucioperca) that has caused a massive amount of damage to fish populations in connected waterways. There is no guarantee it will be a problem, but why take the risk??

 

[Wade]

I think Ben has actually made some good points. I seriously doubt that the snakehead is going to wreck ecological havoc in an already crowded ecosystem, especially in Florida where many of the species it's going to be feeding on were themselves introduced! I don't really buy the "delicate web" concept, ecosystems are in a constant state of flux weather or not we're involved. Most of the time, introduced species either fail to establish a long-term breeding population, or else they assimilate with realtively small impact. Fire ants and marine toads are the exceptions, not the rules.

Before anybody jumps down my throat for saying that, please understand that I'm not advocating deliberately releasing non native species, and I do think measures should be taken to stop them from spreading if possible. There is, of course, the district possibility that this species could have a major impact. I do think the hysteria over this fish is exagerated, however.

I also want to point out the hypocrisy of these state game departments that are sounding this alarm. They warn us about how this species may drive all these native species to extiction, then THEY THEMSELVES deliberately introduces non-native fish all over the place to satisfy fishermen! This is something I cannot get over, they flip out over a private pet owner having some fish or other, but then they turn around and stock every lake and pond with largemouth bass and channel catfish. While these fish may be native, they aren't necessarily in every body of fresh water. Well, they are now. Here in VA, the game department routinely stocks various lakes with walleye, a species not even native to the state.

Annother unfair aspect is that the slacker who releases their snakehead will never be caught, but the RESPONSIBLE aquarist who is keeping it in a large tank may have his fish confiscated and have to pay a fine to boot. I think this snakehead hysteria is being used an excuse to launch an assault on the whole exotic pet trade. Beware of legislation that cannot be enforced fairly. Only those who opt to KEEP their snakeheads can be punished!

Wade

 

[MilkmanWes]

Two very good points.

I lived in Florida for 20 years or more and have been all over it (well not the panhandle, but thats just the parts georgia and alabama refused to take back)

A lot of the florida ecology is in jeapordy from developement and at various times a game department trying to cater to sportman. While the ecological web is constantly changing and has shown itself to be stronger than man as a whole, its often the small parts lost in a change that are missed the most.

The snakehead fish has actually been a bigger impact in northern states where such critters as alligators and gar are not as plentiful to take down the intruders.

I also want to point out the hypocrisy of these state game departments that are sounding this alarm.
...
RESPONSIBLE aquarist who is keeping it in a large tank may have his fish confiscated and have to pay a fine to boot. I think this snakehead hysteria is being used an excuse to launch an assault on the whole exotic pet trade. Beware of legislation that cannot be enforced fairly. Only those who opt to KEEP their snakeheads can be punished!

 

[woijchik89]

And ironically Ben makes one of the best arguements against himself here. The unpredictability is why caution is necessary.

Also add to Dans list Japanese Wisteria. If you are in southern GA or FL you may have seen this stuff growing rampant. Originally brought in as a decorative wall climber it now chokes out acres of local flora at a time.

Most of these cases have became so extreme due to the fact that THEY WERE NO DOMINANT SPECIES, nothing could kill the species cept old age. So being nothing could eat and kill it they so became dominant and over populated. However in the snake head case it has numerous preditors. There for it can't be dominant and become over poplulated. I can't tell you the exact outcome of what will happen but I garentee you they won't overun the entire state and continually move further north until it has concured the world.

The most likely thing that will happen is that the media will stop careing about the fish, until years later a fisher man will catch another one and the "snake head horror" will happen all over agian.

I'm not saying not to worry in the northern states, just not in florida.

~LaTeR~

-Ben

 

[woijchik89]

Two very good points.

I lived in Florida for 20 years or more and have been all over it (well not the panhandle, but thats just the parts georgia and alabama refused to take back)

A lot of the florida ecology is in jeapordy from developement and at various times a game department trying to cater to sportman. While the ecological web is constantly changing and has shown itself to be stronger than man as a whole, its often the small parts lost in a change that are missed the most.

The snakehead fish has actually been a bigger impact in northern states where such critters as alligators and gar are not as plentiful to take down the intruders.

I'm not trying to say that we should sit back and do nothing(cept florida) But i understand that in the northern states this can be a big deal.

Just don't worry about florida.