Highly Invasive: Missouri State Authorities Target Troubling Snakehead Fish

Concern increases about this invasive species

Invasions are only reserved for extraterrestrials. Recently, the Missouri authorities, located west of the Mississippi river in the United States, and other states have launched a warning about an invasion of a species of fish, northern snake fish.

A carnivorous species capable of living out of water

North snake fish, Channa Argus In Latin, is called because of his body and his head which recalls the physique of a snake. These fish are carnivorous, and have a large mouth lined with sharp teeth and a varied diet, such as frogs, crustaceans, insects or other fish species, including salmon for example.

A real threat to the balance of ecosystems in which they find themselves. In addition to this, this species is feared since it is considered an invasive species, in particular with an ability to reproduce quickly. Indeed, females can lay up to 250,000 eggs per year. What is even more worrying about these fish is that they are able to live out of water thanks to specialized respiratory organs, allowing it in particular to move on firm land for a few days or survive in water containing little oxygen.

Recommendations to stop this invasion

Inevitably, this threat is taken seriously, and the Missouri conservation department (MDC) communicated recommendations for the population if it encountered a North Serpent fish, which were relayed by Iflscience. At first, it is essential to ensure that it is indeed a snake fish from the north, and not another resembling species.

Then if there is capture, never to release or leave the fish unattended, because of its faculty to move on earth. Finally, it is advisable to immediately kill the fish, whether by cutting his head, by eviscing it or even putting it in a bag in place. The authorities therefore hope to put an end to the invasion of the northern snake fish, capable of doing big damage.

Source: Iflscience