WAYNE COUNTY, Mo. — A fourth invasive, predatory fish has been found in Missouri, the first sighting of the fish in nearly a year.
The northern snakehead is a long-body fish that preys on native fish in the state, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Fishery biologists say they can outcompete fish as well, due to their unique ability to breathe air and survive in poorly oxygenated water.
Missouri's first recorded northern snakehead was caught in the St. Dunklin County's Francis River levees in 2019. MDC said an additional two northern snakeheads were captured in 2023.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: MDC warns of invasive fish species spotted in Missouri
The most recent fish seen in Missouri was spotted by an angler on May 25 in Wayne County's Wappapello Lake Spillway, MDC said.
“The angler recognized they had something different and researched the fish’s characteristics, and realized it was indeed a snakehead,” said MDC Fisheries Biologist Dave Knuth. “The angler left it on the pavement for several hours thinking it would die, and it never did.”
Wayne County Conservation Agent Jacob Plunkett recovered the bag at 11 p.m., nearly four hours after the fish was left in the bag. Plunkett said the fish was still alive when he got the bag.
It is illegal to import, export, sell, purchase, or possess a live northern snakehead in Missouri, MDC said.
Conservation agents say if you think a fish you caught is a northern snakehead, they want you to take a few steps, including:
Make sure it’s a snakehead
Northern snakeheads can be confused with the native bowfin. The department said snakeheads have a snake-like appearance with a much longer anal fin than the bowfin.
Don't release it
The conservation department said you should not release the fish or throw it on the bank, as it could migrate back to the water or to a new waterbody. Since the fish is an airbreather and can live a considerable amount of time out of the water, it could make its way back into the water.
Kill it
You can do this by severing the head or gutting it.
Take a picture
Photograph the fish so the species can be positively identified.
Call them
You can report any sightings of the fish to MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5858.
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