Kansas and Missouri anglers asked to kill and report a very invasive and destructive fish. The northern snakehead fish is a long bodied, predatory fish that is not native to the U. S.. this fish’s head resembles a snake, thus its name. Its body can grow up to 3 feet long with python-like coloration and pattern. Unlike most fish, the northern snakehead can breathe air, which allows survival in poorly oxygenated water or out of water for several days if their skin stays moist. They can also slither across land to return to water.
Snakeheads are an invasive species native to Asia. They’re aggressive predators, preying on native species, and competing for resources.
Wildlife officials say that it is illegal to import, export, sell, purchase, or possess a northern snakehead fish in Kansas and Missouri. The fish has been spotted and caught in Missouri, however, not in Kansas…yet. Anyone who catches or sees a northern snakehead is asked to kill it and report it to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Game and/or the Missouri Department of Wildlife.
