Snakehead in the Tidal Basin!

Type: Nontidal
Region: Southern
Location: Tidal Basis (Wash., D.C.)

I caught this snakehead on May 9, 2010 in the title basin in Washington DC. I know this is not Maryland but it is the Potomac river and of interest to you I am sure. The snake head was disposed of, I am confident it would not survive. I am interested in how old this one would be and is it an adult.

DNR RESPONSE: Hi James, Northern Snakeheads reach maturity at 2 to 3 years. At that age they are, roughly, 12 inches in length. We�ve had some difficulty ageing northern snakeheads. Both the scales and otoliths- the structures we use to age many species of fish- do not seem to lay down growth rings as reliably as other fish. I would need to know the length of the fish in order to give you an idea of how old it is. In the photograph you sent it looks like your fish was around 24� in length. If so, we would approximate that the fish is around 5 or 6 old. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Best Regards, Mary Groves (Fisheries Biologist).