Anglers Urged People to Kill Invasive Snakehead Fish If Spotted

A rare video circulating online has conservationists warning anglers about a dangerous, predatory fish that poses a serious threat to local ecosystems.

The fish in question is the snakehead — a reptile-like predator with a large mouth and razor-sharp teeth. If caught, anglers are being urged to cut off its head immediately to prevent it from spreading.

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According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), snakeheads can grow up to three feet long and are considered one of Missouri’s newest invasive species threats.

“This fish is one of Missouri’s newest invasive species threats. “They look like native bowfin fish, so it’s important to properly identify.” said Angela Sokolowski, an invasive species ecologist with MDC.

Snakeheads are typically tan in color with dark brown mottling, while bowfins are usually olive-green and have a distinctive black spot at the base of their tail. Another difference is in their teeth — bowfins have peg-like teeth, while snakeheads have sharp, pointy ones.