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Getting to know the Snakehead
or the ‘Toman’
The Asian snakehead fish is actually not a single species; a lot of different
species in the family Channidae are commonly referred to as Asian
snakeheads. They are also known as Frankenfish and Channa fish. For people
in Malaysia, it is called the ‘Toman’. Snakeheads are not only native to
South East Asia; many species have originated on the African continent. A
few years back, the Asian snakehead fish received a lot of media attention
since wild and breeding specimens were found in North American waters.
The Asian snakehead is a very potent predator and if we allow it to become
established outside its native region, e.g. on the North American continent,
it could potentially disrupt the ecosystem.
It is believed that the wild Asian snakehead fish that were found in the U.S.
originated from fish markets and/or aquarists. Asian snakehead fish is a
popular food fish in South East Asia and therefore also common in Asian food
markets in the rest of the world. It can also be kept in aquariums, even
though it requires a very large tank and plenty of food. To prevent Asian
snakehead fish from being released into U.S. waters, importing live Asian
snakehead fish to the U.S. is prohibited since 2003.
Many aquarists objected to the nation wide ban, since Asian snakehead fish
can not survive in the cooler parts of the country. An Asian snakehead fish
released into a lake that becomes covered with ice during the winter will
die, and many aquarists therefore feel that the Asian snakehead fish should
be allowed as a pet in the northern parts of the country. An Asian snakehead
fish needs to surface regularly to breath oxygen from the air and will die if
prevented from doing this, e.g. by a layer of ice. The first wild and breeding
Asian snakehead fish population found in the U.S. was living in the warm
waters of Maryland.
Before you decide to keep an Asian snakehead fish as a pet, you should
always research that specific species in order to find out how large it can
grow and how much it will cost to feed it. Many aquarists grow tired of their
Asian snakehead fish when they realize that they must provide it with larger
and larger aquariums, and feed it large amounts of expensive live food. It is
not implausible that the wild Asian snakehead fish populations found in the
U.S. were the result of someone spontaneously purchasing a few cool Asian
snakehead fishes and then eventually releasing them into the wild.
The biggest Asian snakehead fish species can reach a length of one yard
(nearly one meter) and will need a very big aquarium to do well. All Asian
snakehead fish species are predators and should be given meaty foods. They
are fierce predators and watching them feed can be very entertaining. Do
not be surprised if your Asian snakehead fish attacks a prey that is larger
than half its own size. You can train your Asian snakehead fish onto dead
Discover Yourself at www.temenggor.com
Tasik Temenggor Discovery Island (TTDI) is the No. 1 Eco Island Lake Lodge in Malaysia!

2. Discover Yourself at www.temenggor.com
Tasik Temenggor Discovery Island (TTDI) is the No. 1 Eco Island Lake Lodge in Malaysia!
food, and as soon as the fish understands that dead things can be tasty it
will be very easy to feed. As a matter of fact, many specimens begin to
investigate all dead things, including aquarium decoration, heaters
etcetera.
As mentioned above, all Asian snakehead fish need access to the surface to
survive and this must of course be taken into consideration when you keep
them in aquariums or ponds. Keeping them in aquarium without a lid is
however unwise, since they are capable jumpers. If you keep your Asian
snakehead fish in an outdoor pond and the water dries out or become
unsuitable for the fish, it might simply wiggle its way across your lawn in
search of a better home. Snakeheads can travel long distances on land. If
Asian snakehead fish is not a part of your local fauna, it is very important
that you prevent this from happening.
Mature Asian snakehead fish are often aggressive and highly territorial and it
is therefore often best to keep them alone in their own aquarium. Keeping
Asian snakehead fish with animals smaller than 2/3 of the Snakehead's body
should be avoided since it will usually result in the smaller fish ending up as
food. If the animal is too large to be swallowed in one piece, the Asian
snakehead fish will simply bite large chunks out of it.
Mouth of a giant snakehead. Where you clearly can see its teeth.
Copyright www.jjphoto.dk
Different species will prefer somewhat different set ups, but a majority of
the species will appreciate a well planted home with many hiding places. A
planted aquarium or pond is usually required if you want to breed Asian
snakehead fish. These fishes are usually quite messy eaters and they
produce a lot of waste, so large and regular water changes are necessary.
They are sturdy and will adapt to a wide range of pH levels. Since they
originate from warm regions, they need warm water temperatures to do
well.
Discover Yourself at www.temenggor.com
Tasik Temenggor Discovery Island (TTDI) is the No. 1 Eco Island Lake Lodge in Malaysia!