Experts say this Asian fish can breathe on land and travel short distances on land.
On July 17, officials in South Carolina (USA) issued a warning to residents, particularly anglers, about the presence of a dangerous invasive Asian fish species. This fish can move on land and poses a serious threat to the local ecosystem. This is the Northern Snakehead.
Warning from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the Northern Snakehead originates from Asia and can grow up to nearly 1 meter long. This predatory fish has been reported in several states across the US, including Georgia, Missouri, California, Hawaii, Maryland, and Virginia.
The Northern Snakehead can reproduce rapidly, with a single spawning producing up to 15,000 eggs anywhere and can spawn 1 to 5 times a year. The eggs typically hatch within a few days. In addition to their rapid reproduction, the Northern Snakehead is also a formidable predator, feeding on native species and disrupting ecosystems in US lakes and rivers.
Authorities warn that the Northern Snakehead is a top predator in the food chain and “its presence is a significant threat to native fish populations.”
Officials in South Carolina (USA) have issued a warning about the presence of this dangerous invasive Asian fish. (Photo: Fox News)
Mr. Ross Self, head of the freshwater fisheries division at SCDNR, stated in an email to Fox News Digital: “The Northern Snakehead has been reported in South Carolina since a small number were found in private ponds in Georgia and North Carolina in 2019.”
Mr. Self added: “The Northern Snakehead that was reported in South Carolina was voluntarily surrendered to SCDNR by a man in Lake City 15 years ago. He had previously kept it in an aquarium.”
Mr. Self noted that the warning issued by SCDNR in 2019 still stands: “If anglers catch one, they should destroy it.”
Guidelines for Handling Northern Snakehead Sightings
SCDNR advises anglers to “keep the fish, freeze it, and immediately contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.”
When photographing the Northern Snakehead, take close-up shots of its mouth, fins, and tail. Note where it was found (water source, landmark, or GPS coordinates).
This fish can survive on land for up to 4 days if the environment is humid enough. (Photo: Getty Images)
Experts indicate that the Northern Snakehead can breathe on land and travel short distances on land. If in a humid environment, they can survive on land for up to 4 days.
According to online information from the Invasive Species Information Organization in New York (IS): “It is believed that the Northern Snakehead entered the US when aquarium owners released this unwanted exotic species into local waterways.”
“The Northern Snakehead spawns during the summer months (from June to August). There is currently no comprehensive research on the spawning cycle of this fish,” the IS website states.
Legal Regulations Regarding Northern Snakehead
The Northern Snakehead has been added to the list of harmful wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2002. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Lacey Act prohibits the transport, possession, or importation of certain fish species.
In South Carolina, it is illegal to possess, transport, or sell live Northern Snakeheads. (Photo: Fox News)
In South Carolina, it is illegal to possess, transport, or sell live Northern Snakeheads.
Mr. Self noted that the native bowfin fish in South Carolina closely resembles the Northern Snakehead. Many anglers have sent photos of bowfins to SCDNR because they believed they might have caught a Northern Snakehead.
Mr. Self urged the public not to destroy bowfins simply because they look like Northern Snakeheads.
