Snakeheads are a type of fish that is native to Asia. They get their name from the shape of their head, which is covered with scales. In addition, these fish have the ability to survive on land for several days.
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But they are also very invasive and have become a serious threat to native fish in the state of Georgia.
Meet Frankenfish.
— 102.7 THE PEAK (@THEPEAK) June 8, 2012
The snakehead fish was found lurking in Burnaby Central Park's pond after a 27-day hunt. pic.twitter.com/6eDeT1Wp
According to a bulletin released by the US Department of Natural Resources,"Northern snakeheads are bad news. And for the first time, the invasive fish has been confirmed in Georgia waters." Officials urge the public to do the following:
- DO NOT RELEASE IT.
- Kill it immediately and freeze it. They can survive on land.
- If possible, take pictures of the fish. Include close-ups of its mouth, fins, and tail.
- Note where it was caught like the waterbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates.
- Immediately report it to your regional wildlife resources division fisheries office.
Officials have also appealed to local fishermen to be extra vigilant! Indeed, these cylindrical fish are very dangerous predators.
The Pennsylvania Boat and Fish Commission is concerned about Northern snakeheads because they are aggressive eaters and capable of growing two to three feet in length. Their main concern is how they may fit into the existing food chain. https://t.co/LiPxrsOz3h
— USFWS Fisheries (@USFWSFisheries) November 19, 2019
Haram Koh pic.twitter.com/z1pnNz3aGj
They can survive outside water for four days and migrate up to 400 meters by wriggling with their bodies and fins! Their high fertility is also quite problematic in that it is a pathway to invasion!
For more details, check out the video!