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"There is relatively little information on the life histories and ecology of most fish species from tropical Asia," Shafland said. " As a result, useful information about how these fishes may interact with native species is sparse and some of it, especially in older sources, is suspect. Snakeheads have been described as being extremely aggressive and voracious, but based on our personal observations the species collected in Florida appears to be one of the less aggressive species of snakeheads. "Our initial stomach content evaluations showed that more than 50 percent of their food consisted of crayfish," said Kelly Gestring, an FWC research scientist at Boca Raton."Now that could in the long run have an effect on other species that feed on crayfish, but it's far too early to know what, if any effects this new exotic fish will ultimately have." When forced to speculate on what effects the snakehead might have on native fishes, Shafland said that, "If there are any effects, these would most likely involve the bowfin (mudfish) since snakehead and bowfin share more than just general appearances. Both of these species are also predators that seem to have similar habitat and food preferences, and both can utilize air to survive in waters with little to no oxygen." Some of the literature on the snakeheads suggest this fish can reach lengths of four feet, although Shafland is skeptical.
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"Obviously we need to do more to educate the public about the serious ecological consequences that the illegal release of exotic species represent." Shafland pointed out that once a fish species is reproducing in the open water systems of south Florida, it is impossible to eradicate them. Preventing the illegal introduction of exotics in the first place is really the only viable tactic along with educating anglers, aquarists, and others about the illegality of dumping and/or transferring exotic fish from one water body to another.The Boca Raton scientist stated that the cooperation and assistance of knowledgeable anglers in identifying exotics is invaluable. "Our agency just doesn't have the staff and the resources to monitor every square foot of fresh water contained in Florida's numerous lakes, streams, rivers, canals, and impoundments," he said. "Anglers are often the first to detect the presence of an exotic fish, and we often depend on their reports." Since the first snakehead was caught in October, FWC scientists at the Boca Lab have initiated a comprehensive effort to determine their distribution, relative abundance, temperature tolerance, and associations with native fish. Food habits, habitat preferences, and reproduction will also be closely studied. Shafland praised Newland for taking the time and effort to report catching what appeared to be a rather strange looking bowfin."Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes once an exotic fish begins reproducing and these studies will require several years to complete," Shafland said. "We have already completed some preliminary temperature tolerance studies that indicate this snakehead cannot live in water temperatures below 50 degrees. "This is good news and bad news," he said. "The good news is that snakeheads will be largely limited to the southern half of Florida due to lower winter temperatures farther north. The bad news is that much of southern Florida likely provides suitable habitat for this undesirable fish to establish a permanent home in."
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