In 99% of cases, conservationists tell you to protect the environment and living beings. But in this case, they are advising people to catch and cut off the head of a snake-like fish. This statement from conservationists has gone viral, and everyone is covering the news. Some conservationists believe this species could threaten other aquatic species. That’s why they say if you spot it, either cut off its head or seal it in a bag or box.
Which Species Are They Talking About?
Usually, conservationists advocate protecting wildlife, so why are they encouraging people to kill this particular species?
In the United States, conservationists believe this fish can pose a serious threat to several species. The fish in question is the northern snakehead, which looks similar to a python and has a head resembling a snake. That’s how it got its name — snakehead.
This fish is native to parts of Asia and was first found in the U.S. in 2002 in a pond in Maryland. Later, it spread to the Potomac River, and now it has been spotted in Missouri, which has raised new concerns. This fish is a predator and feeds on other native creatures like frog larvae, insects, and even other fish species. This makes it a major threat to aquatic ecosystems.
Another concerning trait is its ability to survive outside water for several days if its skin remains moist. It can also breathe air. If left unattended, it can crawl to nearby water sources. This is why it’s considered a dangerous invasive species.
Why Are Conservationists Urging People to Kill This Snake-Like Fish?
If you simply take it out of water and leave it to die, that might not be enough — it can survive and move to another location. That’s why cutting off its head is the recommended method. If you can’t do that, sealing it in an airtight bag or box to prevent it from breathing is another way.
This fish can grow up to 3 feet long and is a strong predator. Conservationists urge people to report sightings and remove the fish whenever possible. If caught, it should be killed and reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or your state’s conservation department. In Missouri, officials ask residents to take a photo of the fish for identification.
Angela Sokolowski from Missouri’s Department of Conservation said, “This fish is one of Missouri’s newest invasive species threats.”
Is It Legal to Sell or Transport Snakehead Fish in the U.S.?
It is illegal to transport, buy, or sell snakehead fish in the U.S. The Lacey Act prohibits such actions due to the fish’s invasive nature. Agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation encourage anglers to target the northern snakehead. They recommend killing it by removing the head, gutting it, or sealing it in plastic to prevent it from surviving.
The northern snakehead is not native to the U.S. It was first discovered in 2002 and has now spread across different water bodies. Its body resembles that of a snake, and although it looks similar to a bowfin, the differences are clear. Snakeheads tend to be tan with dark brown markings, while bowfins are olive-colored with a black spot at the base of the tail.
Because of its ability to survive on land, breathe air, and aggressively hunt other species, this fish poses a real danger to ecosystems — and that’s why conservationists are taking a rare stance: kill it on sight.
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