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Delaware › Fishing › Invasive Species

Invasive Species

Did you know it is illegal to transport an invasive species alive?

Please help us track invasive fish by killing and reporting your catch at the Invasive Fish Reporting page.

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish are most easily recognized by their broad, flat head, brown mottled coloration and lower jaw which sticks out further than the upper.

Flathead catfish lying on a yellow measuring board, displaying its elongated body, broad flattened head, and whisker-like barbels. This invasive species is monitored by the PA Fish & Boat Commission to track its impact on native fish populations.
A flathead catfish on a measuring board, highlighting its broad, flattened head and whisker-like barbels. Tracked by the PA Fish & Boat Commission, this invasive species can impact native fish populations. Anglers are encouraged to report catches to help with monitoring efforts.

Blue Catfish

The invasive blue catfish (on top), and a channel catfish (lower) can be differentiated by spreading out the anal fin and looking for a straight or lobed appearance.

Side-by-side comparison of a blue catfish (top) and a channel catfish (bottom) on a metal surface, with yellow arrows pointing to distinguishing features. The blue catfish has a more uniform blue-gray body and a straight-edged anal fin, while the channel catfish has a spotted body and a rounded anal fin.
This side-by-side comparison highlights key differences between a blue catfish (top) and a channel catfish (bottom). Notable distinctions include the blue catfish’s straight-edged anal fin and uniform coloration, while the channel catfish has a rounded anal fin and spotted body. Understanding these features helps anglers correctly identify and report their catches.

Northern Snakehead (Mature)

Northern snakehead are identified by a long dorsal (back) fin and anal fin, a rounded tail, and a large mouth reaching beyond the eye with many, sharp teeth. They are often confused with native bowfin. For more details on distinguishing features, visit the Fish Species Identification page.

Northern snakehead fish lying on a measuring board, displaying its elongated body, dark mottled pattern, long dorsal fin, and large mouth with sharp teeth. This invasive species is often mistaken for native bowfin and is monitored for its impact on local ecosystems.
A northern snakehead on a measuring board, highlighting its elongated body, dark mottled pattern, long dorsal fin, and large mouth with sharp teeth. Often mistaken for native bowfin, this invasive species is closely monitored for its impact on local ecosystems.

Northern Snakehead (Juvenile)

Juvenile northern snakehead fish placed on a ruler for measurement, displaying its elongated body, distinctive dark markings, and long dorsal fin. This invasive species is closely monitored due to its potential impact on native fish populations and ecosystems.
A young northern snakehead on a ruler, highlighting its elongated body, dark markings, and long dorsal fin. As an invasive species, northern snakeheads pose a threat to native fish populations and ecosystems, making identification and reporting crucial for conservation efforts.
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! informational poster promoting responsible watercraft use to prevent the spread of invasive species. The poster outlines four key actions: CLEAN all visible aquatic plants from watercraft, DRAIN all water from equipment, DISPOSE of unwanted live bait properly, and REPORT sightings of unusual fish species. It provides contact information for reporting invasive species, emphasizing the importance of documenting and removing harmful fish like northern snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish.
Help stop the spread of invasive species! Delaware encourages boaters and anglers to clean their gear, drain water from boats, and properly dispose of live bait to protect local waterways.
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