Invasive 'Frankenfish' Spreading to New States, Officials Urge Public to Take Action

An invasive predatory fish known as the northern snakehead is expanding its presence in the United States, with recent detections in new states leading officials to urge the public to actively combat its spread. This species, native to Asia, is known for its aggressive nature, ability to breathe air, and capacity to survive out of water for extended periods, earning it the nickname "Frankenfish."

Missouri recently confirmed its first sighting of the northern snakehead in Oregon County. Officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) stated that the presence of the fish in the Eleven Point River suggests it is spreading from established populations downstream in Arkansas. These waterways connect, providing a natural route for the invasive species.

Officials are advising anglers and the public not to release captured northern snakeheads back into the water. Due to their ability to survive on land, simply leaving them on the shore is often insufficient to kill them. The MDC recommends killing the fish by severing its head, gutting it, or placing it in a sealed plastic bag.

Northern snakeheads have so far been confirmed in two Missouri river systems: the St. Francis and Eleven Point rivers in the southern part of the state. While no populations have been found in other river systems, tracking their movement is crucial due to their potential negative impact on local aquatic ecosystems. The fish compete with native species for resources and prey on them, including popular sport fish.

First detected in the U.S. in 2022, the northern snakehead has since been found along the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast. New York's Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed a sighting in Lily Pond in Suffolk County, Long Island, in June. Wildlife officials warn that the species poses a significant threat because it lacks natural predators in the U.S. and can disrupt native fish populations.

The northern snakehead reproduces rapidly, with females capable of laying up to 15,000 eggs per spawning cycle, potentially multiple times a year. Their eggs hatch quickly, allowing for rapid population growth. As top predators, they consume a wide range of aquatic life, including fish and amphibians, further destabilizing ecosystems.

The fish is identifiable by its snake-like appearance, featuring a long, slender body, an extended dorsal fin, and a mottled brown pattern. Adults can grow up to three feet in length. Prior to the Missouri discovery, sightings had been reported in numerous states, including Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.