A man was surprised and confused when he caught a fish with unusual fangs in a pond in Massachusetts, USA.
Mike Powell from Canton reported that while fishing at Canton Reservoir, he reeled in a fish weighing nearly 2.7 kg with a mouth full of sharp fangs.
Wildlife experts identified the 76 cm long fish as an invasive species not native to North America.
This is a Northern Snakehead, an invasive species not native to North America.
“To be honest, I was focusing on catching bass in the pond. But I accidentally hooked this large fish with fangs,” said Mike Powell.
Todd Richards from the wildlife rescue center mentioned that the fish could have been a pet that was released into the pond after it grew too large for a home aquarium.
Todd Richards added, “This species can cause injury, so you shouldn’t keep them. Authorities have regulations about what species can live in local water bodies, and this fish is not permitted. I have fished here many times but have never seen this species before. This fish does not belong here.”
Experts refer to them as Northern Snakehead, a member of the Channidae family. The Northern Snakehead has a very distinctive body shape, with a long body and a wide mouth filled with sharp teeth.
Aside from their appearance, people are also surprised by their ability to survive on land. This species can breathe air on land and move comfortably by crawling on the ground. They feed on other fish, crustaceans, frogs, small reptiles, and occasionally small mammals.
According to reports, only three Northern Snakeheads have been discovered in the Bay State over the past two decades. “The good news is that all of them were adult fish. We have no evidence of recent breeding,” Todd Richards stated.
Massachusetts officials advise anyone who catches this species to remove it from the water, dispose of it properly, and notify the authorities.
