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Snakeheads are a family of freshwater perciform fish primarily native to South America and Australia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Snakeheads are a family of freshwater perciform fish native to Africa and Asia, not South America and Australia.
The unique air-breathing capability of snakeheads is attributed to their highly developed lungs, similar to amphibians.
Answer: False
Explanation: Snakeheads breathe air using suprabranchial organs, which are primitive labyrinth organs, not highly developed lungs.
The *Channa* genus of snakeheads is primarily found in Africa, while *Parachanna* species are native to Asia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Channa* genus is native to Asia, while *Parachanna* species are native to Africa.
The scientific classification of the snakehead family Channidae places them within the order Perciformes.
Answer: False
Explanation: The scientific classification places the family Channidae within the order Anabantiformes, not Perciformes.
Dwarf snakeheads, such as *Channa orientalis*, can grow to lengths exceeding 50 centimeters (20 inches).
Answer: False
Explanation: Dwarf snakeheads, such as *Channa orientalis*, do not exceed 25 centimeters (10 inches) in length.
The genus *Aenigmachanna* was initially classified within Channidae but was later reclassified into its own distinct family.
Answer: True
Explanation: The genus *Aenigmachanna* was initially classified within Channidae but was subsequently reclassified into its own distinct family, Aenigmachannidae, following further analysis.
The bowfin is a species of fish that is often confused with the snakehead.
Answer: True
Explanation: The bowfin, described as a living fossil, is frequently confused with the snakehead due to similar physical characteristics.
The classification of the extant genus *Channa* was established by Teugels & Daget in 1984.
Answer: False
Explanation: The extant genus *Channa* was classified by Giovanni Scopoli in 1777, while Teugels & Daget classified the genus *Parachanna* in 1984.
What family of freshwater perciform fish are snakeheads classified under?
Answer: Channidae
Explanation: Snakeheads are classified under the family Channidae, which is a group of freshwater perciform fish.
Which of the following is a distinguishing physical characteristic of snakehead fish?
Answer: Shiny teeth
Explanation: Distinguishing physical characteristics of snakehead fish include long dorsal fins, large mouths, and shiny teeth.
What unique organ do snakeheads possess that enables them to breathe atmospheric oxygen?
Answer: Suprabranchial organs
Explanation: Snakeheads possess suprabranchial organs, which are primitive labyrinth organs, enabling them to breathe atmospheric oxygen.
Which of the following genera of snakeheads is native to Asia?
Answer: Channa
Explanation: The genus *Channa* comprises 49 species native to Asia, while *Parachanna* is native to Africa, and *Eochanna* and *Anchichanna* are fossil genera.
Who established the family Channidae in 1934?
Answer: Fowler
Explanation: The family Channidae was formally established by Fowler in 1934 as part of its scientific classification.
Which of the following snakehead species can grow to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) or more?
Answer: Channa argus
Explanation: Among the listed species, *Channa argus* is known to grow to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) or more, alongside *C. barca*, *C. marulius*, *C. micropeltes*, and *C. striata*.
Who classified the extant genus *Channa*?
Answer: Giovanni Scopoli
Explanation: The extant genus *Channa*, which includes 49 species native to Asia, was classified by Giovanni Scopoli in 1777.
What fish is often confused with the snakehead?
Answer: Bowfin
Explanation: The bowfin, a living fossil, is often confused with the snakehead due to similar morphological features.
The temporal range of snakehead fish, according to the fossil record, extends from the Pliocene epoch to the present day.
Answer: False
Explanation: The fossil record indicates that the temporal range of snakehead fish extends from the Eocene epoch to the present day, not the Pliocene.
The Channidae family likely originated in the south Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent at least 50 million years ago.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Channidae family is believed to have originated in the south Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent at least 50 million years ago during the Early Eocene epoch.
The earliest known fossil species of snakeheads, *Eochanna chorlakkiensis* and *Anchichanna kuldanensis*, were discovered in the Middle Eocene deposits of India.
Answer: False
Explanation: The earliest known fossil species of snakeheads, *Eochanna chorlakkiensis* and *Anchichanna kuldanensis*, were discovered in the Middle Eocene deposits of Pakistan, not India.
By 8 million years ago, the Channidae family had expanded its distribution to include Africa and East Asia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The fossil record indicates that by 8 million years ago, during the late Tortonian epoch, the Channidae family's distribution had expanded to encompass Africa and East Asia.
The migration of Channidae into Europe and Asia was influenced by their adaptation to dry, arid climates.
Answer: False
Explanation: The migration of Channidae into Europe and Asia was influenced by their adaptation to climates characterized by high precipitation and mean temperatures of 20°C (68°F), not dry, arid climates.
Two genera of snakeheads, *Anchichanna* and *Eochanna*, are known only from fossil records.
Answer: True
Explanation: The genera †*Anchichanna* and †*Eochanna* are known exclusively from fossil records, each containing one known species.
From which geological epoch does the fossil record of snakehead fish begin?
Answer: Eocene
Explanation: The fossil record of snakehead fish extends from the Eocene epoch to the present day.
Where did the Channidae family likely originate?
Answer: South Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent
Explanation: The Channidae family is believed to have originated in the south Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing modern-day northern India and eastern Pakistan.
Which two earliest known fossil species of snakeheads were discovered in Pakistan?
Answer: Eochanna chorlakkiensis and Anchichanna kuldanensis
Explanation: The two earliest known fossil species of snakeheads, *Eochanna chorlakkiensis* and *Anchichanna kuldanensis*, were discovered in the Middle Eocene deposits of Pakistan.
By what time period had the Channidae family spread into western and central Eurasia?
Answer: Early Miocene
Explanation: The Channidae family had spread into western and central Eurasia by 17 million years ago (Mya), during the Early Miocene epoch.
What climatic factors influenced the migration of Channidae into Europe and Asia?
Answer: High precipitation and mean temperatures of 20°C (68°F)
Explanation: The migration of Channidae into Europe and Asia was influenced by their adaptation to climates with high precipitation and mean temperatures of 20°C (68°F), correlating with increased air humidity and intensified East Asian monsoon.
Which two genera of snakeheads are known exclusively from fossils?
Answer: Anchichanna and Eochanna
Explanation: The genera †*Anchichanna* and †*Eochanna* are known exclusively from fossil records, each containing one known species.
Adult snakeheads primarily consume plankton and aquatic insects, with larger prey being a rare occurrence.
Answer: False
Explanation: Adult snakeheads primarily consume other fish and frogs, while plankton and aquatic insects are the primary diet of smaller snakeheads.
Snakeheads can survive on land for up to a week, provided they remain wet, and can migrate several miles.
Answer: False
Explanation: Snakeheads can survive on land for up to four days if they remain wet and can migrate up to 400 meters (1/4 mile) over wet land.
A single female northern snakehead (*C. argus*) can release up to 15,000 eggs at once and mate up to five times a year.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Geographic Channel reports that a single female northern snakehead (*C. argus*) can release up to 15,000 eggs per spawn and mate up to five times annually.
How do snakehead fish migrate short distances over land?
Answer: By wriggling their bodies and fins
Explanation: Snakehead fish migrate short distances over land by wriggling their bodies and fins, a capability enabled by their air-breathing adaptation.
What do small snakeheads primarily consume?
Answer: Plankton, aquatic insects, and mollusks
Explanation: Small snakeheads primarily consume plankton, aquatic insects, and mollusks, while adults shift to a diet of larger prey like fish and frogs.
How far can snakeheads migrate over wet land by wriggling their bodies and fins?
Answer: Up to 400 meters (1/4 mile)
Explanation: Snakeheads are capable of migrating up to 400 meters (1/4 mile) over wet land by wriggling their bodies and fins to reach new water bodies.
According to the National Geographic Channel, how many eggs can a single female northern snakehead (*C. argus*) release in just two years?
Answer: Up to 150,000 eggs
Explanation: The National Geographic Channel reports that a single female northern snakehead (*C. argus*) can release up to 150,000 eggs in just two years, given her capacity to spawn multiple times annually.
Snakehead fish are considered valuable as a food source, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa, due to their tender flesh.
Answer: True
Explanation: Snakehead fish are highly valued as a food source in Asia and Africa because of their tender flesh, making them a desirable culinary item.
*National Geographic* has referred to snakeheads as 'Frankenfish' due to their aggressive and invasive nature.
Answer: False
Explanation: *National Geographic* referred to snakeheads as 'fishzilla,' while 'Frankenfish' is a term used in North American popular culture.
The world record for the largest giant snakehead is 13.61 kilograms, caught in Rawang, Malaysia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record for the largest giant snakehead (*Channa micropeltes*) is 13.61 kilograms (30 pounds 0 ounces), caught in Rawang, Malaysia.
In Vietnam, snakeheads are exclusively consumed raw as part of traditional sushi dishes.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Vietnam, snakeheads are prepared in various ways, including clay-pot dishes, steamed, and pickled, not exclusively consumed raw as sushi.
*Parachanna obscura* is one of the larger snakehead species commonly farmed in aquaculture.
Answer: True
Explanation: Larger snakehead species, including *Parachanna obscura*, are commonly farmed in aquaculture due to their value as food fish.
In North American popular culture, snakeheads are often referred to as 'Frankenfish' or 'monster fish'.
Answer: True
Explanation: In North American popular culture, snakeheads have gained a reputation as 'Frankenfish' or 'monster fish' due to their aggressive and invasive nature.
'Ikan gabus' is considered a delicacy in Indonesia due to its abundance in the wild and ease of aquaculture.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Indonesia, 'ikan gabus' is considered a delicacy due to its rarity in the wild and the difficulty of raising it in aquaculture, rather than its abundance or ease of cultivation.
What nickname did *National Geographic* give to snakeheads?
Answer: Fishzilla
Explanation: *National Geographic* referred to snakeheads as 'fishzilla' due to their aggressive and invasive characteristics.
What is the world record weight for the largest giant snakehead (*Channa micropeltes*) according to the IGFA?
Answer: 13.61 kg (30 lbs 0 oz)
Explanation: The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record for the largest giant snakehead (*Channa micropeltes*) is 13.61 kilograms (30 pounds 0 ounces).
What is the culinary name for snakehead fish in Indonesia?
Answer: Ikan gabus
Explanation: In Indonesia, snakehead fish are known by the culinary name 'ikan gabus'.
Which of the following snakehead species is commonly farmed in aquaculture?
Answer: Channa striata
Explanation: Larger snakehead species such as *Channa striata*, *C. maculata*, and *Parachanna obscura* are commonly farmed in aquaculture due to their value as food fish.
What is the common term used in North American popular culture to refer to snakeheads due to their invasive nature?
Answer: Frankenfish
Explanation: In North American popular culture, snakeheads are commonly referred to as 'Frankenfish' or 'monster fish' due to their aggressive and invasive characteristics in non-native waters.
Which popular TV show has mentioned snakeheads?
Answer: The Sopranos
Explanation: Snakeheads have been mentioned on popular television shows such as *The Sopranos* and *The Office*, reflecting their presence in popular culture.
Snakeheads are considered an invasive species because they are highly susceptible to local diseases in non-native environments.
Answer: False
Explanation: Snakeheads are considered an invasive species because they lack natural enemies in non-native areas, allowing them to become apex predators and disrupt local ecosystems, not due to disease susceptibility.
Since 2002, it has been illegal to possess a live snakehead in all U.S. states, classifying them as a destructive invasive species.
Answer: False
Explanation: Since 2002, it has been illegal to possess a live snakehead in many U.S. states, but not all, where they are classified as a destructive invasive species.
Virginia's law explicitly clarifies that mere importation of snakeheads constitutes 'introduction into the Commonwealth'.
Answer: False
Explanation: Virginia's relevant statute does not explicitly clarify whether mere importation of snakeheads constitutes 'introduction into the Commonwealth' or if actual release into the environment is required.
Humans have been introducing snakeheads to nonindigenous waters for less than 50 years, primarily for ornamental purposes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Humans have been introducing snakeheads to nonindigenous waters for over 100 years, often for fisheries motivations or through accidental release, not primarily for ornamental purposes.
*Channa maculata* was introduced to Madagascar and Hawaii around the end of the 19th century and remains present there.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Channa maculata* was introduced to Madagascar and Hawaii around the late 19th century and persists in these regions.
The introduction of *Channa striata* to Fiji through governmental programs in the latter half of the 20th century was highly successful.
Answer: False
Explanation: The introduction of *Channa striata* to Fiji through governmental programs in the latter half of the 20th century was unsuccessful.
*Channa argus* is native to southern China and was introduced to Taiwan and southern Japan.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Channa argus* is native to northern China's Amur River, while *Channa asiatica* is native to southern China and was introduced to Taiwan and southern Japan.
Northern snakeheads first became a national news topic in the U.S. in 2002 after being found in a pond in Crofton, Maryland.
Answer: True
Explanation: Northern snakeheads became a U.S. national news topic in 2002 following the appearance of *C. argus* spawning in a pond in Crofton, Maryland.
The snakehead population in the Potomac River was estimated to be over 21,000 individuals within 120 miles around 2004.
Answer: True
Explanation: Around 2004, the northern snakehead population in the Potomac River was estimated to exceed 21,000 individuals within a 120-mile (190-kilometer) stretch.
According to the EPA, reproducing snakehead populations have been established in open waters in all U.S. states where they have been spotted.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to the U.S. EPA, snakeheads have been spotted in several states, but only two species have established reproducing populations in open waters, not in all states where they have been spotted.
U.S. chefs have proposed introducing new natural predators to control the snakehead invasion.
Answer: False
Explanation: U.S. chefs have proposed controlling the snakehead invasion by serving them in restaurants, not by introducing new natural predators.
What is the primary reason snakehead fish have become notorious as an invasive species?
Answer: Pet owners release them into natural waters.
Explanation: Snakehead fish have become notorious as an invasive species primarily because pet owners release them into natural waterways when they outgrow their enclosures.
Why are snakeheads considered an invasive species that can cause ecological damage?
Answer: They lack natural enemies in non-native areas and become apex predators.
Explanation: Snakeheads cause ecological damage as an invasive species because they often lack natural enemies in non-native environments, allowing them to become apex predators and disrupt local ecosystems.
Since what year has it been illegal to possess a live snakehead in many U.S. states?
Answer: 2002
Explanation: Since 2002, the possession of live snakeheads has been illegal in many U.S. states, where they are classified as a destructive invasive species.
What specific action has Virginia criminalized regarding snakeheads without authorization?
Answer: Introducing them into the state
Explanation: Virginia has criminalized the 'introduction' of snakeheads into the state without specific authorization, though the precise definition of 'introduction' remains ambiguous in the statute.
For approximately how long have humans been introducing snakeheads to nonindigenous waters?
Answer: Over 100 years
Explanation: Humans have been introducing snakeheads to nonindigenous waters for over 100 years, often for fisheries motivations or through accidental release.
Which snakehead species was introduced to Madagascar and Hawaii around the end of the 19th century?
Answer: Channa maculata
Explanation: *Channa maculata* was introduced to Madagascar and Hawaii around the late 19th century and persists in these regions.
Where is *Channa asiatica* native to?
Answer: Southern China
Explanation: *Channa asiatica* is indigenous to southern China and has been introduced to Taiwan and southern Japan.
When did northern snakeheads first become a national news topic in the United States?
Answer: 2002
Explanation: Northern snakeheads first became a U.S. national news topic in 2002, following the discovery of *C. argus* spawning in a pond in Crofton, Maryland.
Approximately how many northern snakeheads were estimated to be in the Potomac River around 2004?
Answer: 21,000 individuals
Explanation: Around 2004, the northern snakehead population in the Potomac River was estimated to exceed 21,000 individuals within a 120-mile (190-kilometer) stretch.
According to the EPA, how many species of snakeheads have established reproducing populations in open waters in the U.S.?
Answer: Two species
Explanation: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that two species of snakeheads have established reproducing populations in open waters across the U.S. states where they have been spotted.
What solution have U.S. chefs proposed for controlling the snakehead invasion?
Answer: Serving them in restaurants.
Explanation: U.S. chefs have proposed a culinary approach to control the snakehead invasion by serving them in restaurants, thereby transforming the invasive species into a food source.