Egg Filled Snakehead

Type: Tidal
Region: Southern
Location: Mattawoman Creek

I caught this snakehead Sunday May 6, in Mattawoman. For those who believe that eliminating a single fish will not make a difference, here is proof. Although, I didn't measure or weigh the fish (est. 6 lbs), there were at least five ounces of eggs, if I was pressured to make a guess.

Anway, it might help when getting the word out, if your biologists can put some numbers on those eggs and how many fry survive to adulthood. One less fish can make a huge difference.

DNR Response: Hey Gary, you�re right, every fish counts. On average, females produce about 40,000 eggs. The actual number depends on the size of the female. There�s not much known about survival of those eggs to older ages. Even for largemouth bass that has been studied intensively, there isn�t a lot known about how many eggs survive to fry and later life stages. It�s tough to get at that question because every nest is different and every year exerts different environmental conditions on all nests. If we assume that even 99% of those eggs and fry die, then killing a female with 40,000 eggs would also kill 400 of her offspring � not too bad. Thanks for your help in controlling the spread of snakehead!