In Georgia, a snakehead was discovered that survives on land. Officials want it dead
For the first time ever, an invasive fish species was found in Georgia that can breathe air and survive on land. And officials warn anyone who comes in contact with the species to kill them immediately.
An angler has captured northern snakehead fish in a pond in Gwinnett County this month, the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday.
“Thanks to the quick report of an angler, our employees were able to investigate and confirm the occurrence of this species in this body of water,” said Matt Thomas, head of the Department of Fisheries in the Wildlife Resources Division. “We are now taking steps to see if they have spread from this waters and hopefully prevent them from spreading to other waters in Georgia.”
While this is the first time it has been discovered in Georgia, snakeheads have been reported nationwide in 14 states. The long, thin fish has a dark brown, spotty appearance and can grow up to two meters long. It can also breathe air and survive in low-oxygen systems, including on land, officials said.
A snakehead fish is considered a non-native invasive species, meaning that it affects native species by competing for food and habitat. In Georgia, it is illegal to own an animal without a valid wildlife license.
Anglers who believe they caught a northern snakehead should immediately kill and freeze it.
“If possible, take pictures of the fish, including close-ups of his mouth, his fins, and the tail (and) record where he was caught,” state officials said.
The United States Department of Agriculture considers snakehead fish to be “harmful wildlife” and is regulated nationwide.
