Environment Warns of Chinese Snakehead Fish

Environment Warns of Chinese Snakehead Fish

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 14:10

Saskatchewan Environment has issued a warning about the Northern Snakehead, a fish species from China being sold in Canada.

Officials say the fish has no natural enemies and can carry a disease which can affect other freshwater species like Walleye, Northern Pike and Lake Trout.

Aquatic Biologist Tanya Johnston says the problems start when people buy the Northern Snakeheads as pets.

Johnston says so far there are no reports of the carnivorous fish being released in Saskatchewan, but it is starting to show up in Ontario.

Pet store owners are being asked to not import or sell Northern Snakeheads in the province.