Northern snakehead fish have long, narrow bodies with long dorsal and anal fins. They have a large mouth and protruding jaw with canine-like teeth. The fish get their name from the enlarged scales, shape and irregular, blotchy coloration on their head that give a snake-like appearance. This species is of concern because it is a top predator and disrupts the natural aquatic feeding structure in ecosystems.

Snakeheads can survive the cold winters and low oxygen environment. Some are capable of breathing atmospheric oxygen and may be able to jump out of the water to be found on terrestrial land near aquatic systems.