SNAKEHEAD

SNAKEHEAD. The first known northern snakehead was found in the MISSISSIPPI RIVER in 2017. An invasive species, they are known for a creepy appearance, almost no tail, its ability to survive on land in a dormant state, and a voracious appetite that threatens any other type of fish. Growing up to three feet long and found in at least fourteen states, its extermination is sought by conservation officials. (1) Two agencies within the Department of the Interior (DOI) are responsible for researching and regulating snakeheads: the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As the research arm of the DOI, the USGS has conducted extensive, worldwide research on snakeheads that provides a basis for regulating the importation and interstate transport of those fish in the United States.(2)

Funding for that research was sponsored through a grant from another DOI agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is responsible for fisheries management, regulations, law enforcement, and education. In 2002, the FWS added the snakehead family of fish (Channidae) to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. This includes all currently recognized species and any new species that may be described within that family in the future. By taking this action, snakehead fish can no longer be imported into the U.S. or be transported across state lines without a permit. (3)

Originally from China or Africa, the various subspecies of snakefish were imported to the U.S. as aquarium fish or as food fish served in restaurants; some were released into waterways and spread. A snakehead was found in a river in Wisconsin in 2003. (4)

Snakeheads are not considered gamefish so there are no limits or seasons on them. They should hit live bait or artificial baits that look like minnows since that is their major food. (5) If you catch a strange looking fish, contact your local Game and Fish Department and have them identify it. Non-native species of any kind are a distinct problem for U.S. waters. (6)

Snakefish can be eaten, and despite its unusual appearance, its flesh is good to eat. The taste has been compared to cod or tilapia--or for some people, chicken. It can be cooked in the same way as cod or other whitefish. Some fine restaurants even buy fish from sportsmen who catch them. (7)

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Source:

1. Garrison, Ronny, "Snakehead Fish: A Non-Native Species Causes Trouble in U.S. Waters," Online: https://www.liveabout.com/snakehead-fish-1310228

2. "What is the Federal Government Doing about Snakehead Fish?," USGS (United Stated Geological Survey), Online: https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-federal-government-doing-about-snakehead-fish?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products

3. Ibid.

4. Garrison

5. Ibid.

6. Ibid.

7. Ibid.