The fish is described as “an airbreather and can live a considerable amount of time out of the water”
An unusual and somewhat alarming fish has once again been spotted in Missouri, drawing attention from both local anglers and wildlife officials. This fish, known for its snake-like head, is none other than the invasive northern snakehead. It has remarkable characteristics that allow it to thrive in environments other fish might not endure.
The fourth recent sighting of the northern snakehead fish, a Channa argus, was documented on May 25th. A local fisherman had an unexpected encounter below the Wappapello Lake Spillway in Wayne County. Initially thinking he had caught a routine fish, he was taken aback when he noticed it remained alive for an unusually long time out of the water.
“The angler recognized they had something different and researched the fish’s characteristics, and realized it was indeed a snakehead,” said MDC Fisheries Biologist Dave Knuth. “The angler left it on the pavement for several hours thinking it would die, and it never did.”
The head of this fish truly resembles that of a snake, giving it a particularly menacing appearance. Described by officials as having a “python-like coloration and pattern,” this species can grow up to 3 feet long, making it an impressive—if somewhat unsettling—sight.
Following the catch, the fish was transported to the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office. Jacob Plunkett, an agent with the MDC Wayne County Conservation, received the fish late in the evening, around 11 p.m., and found it was still very much alive despite being out of water for about four hours.
“When I picked up the fish, it was still very much alive,” Plunkett commented.
This resilient creature’s ability to breathe air enables it to live on land for days, as long as its skin remains moist, and it can also endure water with low oxygen levels. Such adaptability allows the snakehead to slither back to the water when it’s ready.
The northern snakehead first appeared in the Missouri area in 2019, specifically in a borrow ditch in the St. Francis River levees in Dunklin County. Since then, more sightings and captures have occurred, with two more reported just this year (2023).
Originating from Russia, China, and the Korean Peninsula, the snakehead is known for its aggressive behavior and tendency to prey on native species while competing for resources. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) cautions residents to exercise vigilance when they encounter this invasive species.
If anyone in Missouri happens to spot or catch a northern snakehead, the MDC advises immediate action. The recommended steps are to kill the fish by severing its head, gutting it, or placing it in a sealed plastic bag. It’s crucial not to release the fish or discard it on the bank, as it can easily find its way back to water.
“Remember, this fish is an airbreather and can live a considerable amount of time out of the water,” emphasized the MDC.
In addition to these instructions, officials also advise making sure the fish is indeed a northern snakehead, as it can sometimes be mistaken for the native bowfin. They recommend photographing the fish for positive identification and documenting the location of the sighting.
Any captures or sightings of the northern snakehead should be reported to the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730.
