- Reports of a snakehead fish come out of Georgia this week.
- The fish can survive on land and other low-oxygen systems.
- State officials urge anglers to kill them.
Yes, you read that title correctly. A new snakehead fish is now in Georgia and can survive on land. State officials are announcing that if any of them come into contact with this fish, to kill it immediately. An angler would catch this freaky new fish this month in a pond in Gwinnett County. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division releases a statement on the find.
“Thanks to the quick report by an angler, our staff was able to investigate and confirm the presence of this species in this water body,” says Matt Thomas of the Wildlife Resources Division. “We are now taking steps to determine if they have spread from this water body and, hopefully, keep it from spreading to other Georgia waters.”
The Snakehead Fish
This is the first of reports of a snakehead fish in Georgia. For example, snakeheads have previously been reported in 14 other states at this point! This fish has a dark brown blotchy appearance and can grow up to 3 feet in length. It can also breathe air and survive in low-oxygen systems, including land.
The snakehead fish is a non-native invasive species. This means that the fish can affect other native species by competing for food and habitat. State officials say that if anglers catch this fish, they should kill it immediately and freeze it.
State officials additionally say, “If possible, take pictures of the fish, including close ups of its mouth, fins and tail…” The United States Department of Agriculture says that the snakefish is “injurious wildlife,” and is under federal regulation.
In conclusion, it’s pretty insane hearing about a fish that can survive on land! Check out the official news coverage for this find below.