Invasive Asian Fish That Breathes Air & 'Walks' Is Found In Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An angler caught the second invasive northern snakehead fish recorded in the state at Duck Creek Conservation Area. 

Fisheries management biologists with the Missouri Department of Conservation confirmed the fish found in May. The first northern snakehead was caught in a borrow ditch within the St. Francis River levees in 2019. 

MDC staff spent two days searching for additional specimens in the area, including Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. Although none were found, it likely indicates the fish are there but at low numbers. 

Snakeheads are an invasive species native to Asia. They are aggressive predators that prey on native species and compete for resources. Uniquely, they can live out of water for up to three days in moist environments, and can move short distances across land by using their pectoral fins. Snakeheads have been known to migrate up to 1/4-mile over land.

The first northern snakehead fish in this region was discovered in Arkansas waterways in 2008. Now having clearly spread into Missouri, conservationists are concerned about the species as a threat, and urge anglers who find them to kill them and alert the conservation department.

"This fish has a wide temperature tolerance, can spawn multiple times in one year, and can survive in low-oxygenated waters by breathing air," said MDC Fisheries Management Biologist Dave Knuth. "The impacts of this species on native fish populations are still to be determined, and it's something we will have to follow over time."

MDC recommends the following if a northern snakehead is found:

- Make sure it is the correct fish, as it can be confused with the native bowfin. Look for a snake-like appearance and a longer anal fin. 

- Do not release the fish or throw it on the bank. It could migrate back to a body of water. Remember they can breathe air and live a considerable amount of time out of the water.

- Kill the fish by severing the head or gutting it.

- Photograph the fish so the species can be positively identified. 

- Report any sightings to MDC's Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5858

It is illegal to import, export, sell, purchase, or possess a live northern snakehead in Missouri.