On Friday, April 27, 2018, biologists from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) confirmed the presence of northern snakehead (see photo above by Meghan Marchetti) in Lakeview Reservoir (sometimes called Swift Creek Lake) in Colonial Heights.
This fish is an exotic species that first was discovered in Virginia in the Potomac River in 2004. Since that time, they have been found in nine additional bodies of water--among them, Lake Anna, the Rappahannock River, and Lake Burke. The capture in Lakeview Reservoir represents the first confirmed occurrence of this species within the James River drainage.
Exotic species like snakeheads can disrupt aquatic systems and may have significant impacts by feeding on and competing with native and/or naturalized fishes. In addition, they may transmit parasites and diseases to native wildlife in those systems.
Contrary to popular depictions in the media, northern snakeheads are not capable of moving across land. Most new occurrences are caused by people intentionally introducing (stocking) them into new bodies of water. Citizens are reminded that this activity is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of $2,500, or both.
Anyone who captures a northern snakehead should take a photo and contact VDGIF immediately at (804) 367-2925. Anglers are allowed to keep northern snakeheads; however, they must be dead in possession (contained in livewell, cooler, etc.) and reported to VDGIF.
The department asks that all captured snakeheads be killed following capture.
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