Invasive Species

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The introduction of invasive and non-native species can cause irreversible changes in the food web. Several invasive species of concern are listed below.

For information on other invasive and non-native species, and to view a list of species prohibited from transport, visit the Maryland invasive species page. To report the illegal transport or unauthorized introduction of invasive species, contact the Natural Resources Police—800-628-9944.

Chesapeake Channa (Northern Snakehead)

It is against Maryland, Virginia, and federal laws to possess, import, or transport live northern snakehead (or Chesapeake Channa in Maryland).

Illustration of a northern snakehead showing a long, cylindrical body with mottled dark blotches, an extended dorsal fin running most of the back, and a rounded tail, used for species identification. — An illustration of a northern snakehead highlighting its elongated body, snake-like head, continuous dorsal fin, and dark mottled pattern—distinctive traits anglers use to identify this invasive freshwater species found in Maryland waters. Illustration byKevin Ensor, MD DNR © 2024 Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

If you catch a Chesapeake Channa and want to eat it, you must immediately kill the fish. Anglers are encouraged to catch and keep Chesapeake Channa year round. There is no minimum size or creel limit for Chesapeake Channa.

It is illegal to possess live Chesapeake Channa. This illegal act is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 per fish, up to $25,000 per incident.

If you catch a Chesapeake Channa with a tag, please report the tag number and the location, date and time of day when the fish was caught to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 800-448-8322.

Help Protect our Resources and Harvest an invasive species

If you are interested in selling the Chesapeake Channa, blue catfish, or flathead catfish you catch, there may be a license that will let you do that. There are licenses that allow you to use hook and line or archery equipment to harvest and sell Chesapeake Channa and finfish trotlines to harvest and sell blue and flathead catfish caught from tidal waters. For more information about these licenses, contact our Licensing and Registration Service at 410-260-3220.

State Records For Invasive Species

Catfish, Blue — 84.0 lbs., Ed Jones, 8/13/2012, Near Fort Washington, Potomac River
Catfish, Flathead — 57.0 lbs., Joshua Dixon, 12/27/2020, Lapidum Boat Ramp, Susquehanna River
Chesapeake Channa — 21.8 lbs., Matt Foreman, 6/07/2025, Susquehanna River

Angler seated outdoors holding a large Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead), showing the fish’s long cylindrical body, snake-like head, mottled dark patterning, and extended dorsal fin, highlighting an invasive species in Maryland waters. — An angler holds a Chesapeake Channa, also known as a northern snakehead, displaying its elongated body, snake-like head, and dark mottled markings—distinctive traits used to identify this invasive freshwater species found in Maryland waters.

To view more state fishing records, visit the Maryland state fishing records page or go FishMaryland.

Maryland’s Most Unwanted invasive species prevention poster with a stop sign graphic, listing steps to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic species and a QR code for reporting invasive species. — The “Maryland’s Most Unwanted” notice outlines simple actions anglers and boaters can take to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species, including cleaning gear, draining watercraft, properly disposing of bait, and reporting sightings to Maryland DNR.