PUXICO, Mo. – Missouri conservation officers are issuing a warning – an invasive species of fish has been recorded within the state.
If seen, Missouri officers warn anglers and hobbyists to kill the northern snakehead on sight.
Fisheries administration biologists with the Missouri Division of Conservation have confirmed a northern snakehead was captured by an angler on Could 19 whereas seining for bait on the Duck Creek Conservation Space in southeast Missouri.
That is the second northern snakehead ever noticed within the state and the primary since 2019.
MDC employees mentioned the northern snakehead is an aggressive, invasive species native to Asia. The species is named a predator that can prey on native species and can compete for assets.
“Sadly, it was solely a matter of time earlier than we noticed this species proceed to unfold in Missouri,” mentioned MDC Fisheries Administration Biologist Dave Knuth.
If noticed, the MDC recommends instantly killing the fish by severing the top or gutting it. This fish is an airbreather and might dwell a substantial day out of the water.
Conservation officers then ask that you simply {photograph} the fish and report sightings to MDC’s Southeast Regional Workplace at 573-290-5858.
The markings on the fish might fluctuate, nevertheless, they’re typically tan with darkish brown mottling. Their jaws include many small enamel.
“This fish has a large temperature tolerance, can spawn a number of occasions in a single yr, and might survive in low-oxygenated waters by respiratory air,” mentioned Knuth. “The impacts of this species on native fish populations are nonetheless to be decided, and it’s one thing we must observe over time.”
Officers spent two days looking for extra specimens on Duck Creek Conservation Space on the Mingo Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. No extra fish have been discovered, seemingly indicating they’re within the space, however simply in low numbers.
The northern snakehead was first seen in United States waterways in jap Arkansas in 2008. Since then, the species has been increasing all through the Midwest.
The 2019 Missouri sighting was a fish caught in a borrowed ditch inside the St. Francis River levees in Dunklin County.
Conservation officers warn it’s unlawful to import, export, promote, buy or possess a dwell northern snakehead in Missouri.
This text by JoBeth Davis was first printed by KMBC Information on 8 June 2023. Lead Picture: Missouri Division of Conservation.
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