Environment

Last May, an American fisherman who was peacefully indulging in his favorite pastime caught a northern snakehead fish, a marine creature that is dangerous to the local ecosystem.

The fish was caught in Missouri in the United States. This is the fourth capture in 5 years in the same State, a discovery that does not please scientists at all, who fear for the well-being of wildlife.

This aquatic monster, also known as Channa argus, is able to breathe air. Indeed, “it has the ability to move and survive out of water for several days, as long as its skin remains moist,” reports Demotivateur. How does one recognize it? The Channa argus has a long body and a head entirely covered in scales. Size? Up to 1 meter long. Weight? 5 kilograms.

Scientists are worried because this fish is considered an invasive species, which attacks endemic species. With its sharp teeth and wide jaw, it can devour “any prey that can fit into its large mouth,” the Missouri Department of Conservation says. In addition, the Channa argus is not in the crosshairs of any natural predator in the country. If it chooses to colonize an area, its impact will be hefty: its female can lay between 22,000 and 51,000 eggs per clutch. Although it is native to eastern and southern Asia, the northern snakehead fish was “introduced outside its original range by humans,” the International Union for Conservation of Nature points out.

To prevent the invasion, instructions have been given to fishermen by local authorities: never put the fish back in the water, kill it immediately and freeze it. Channa argus can even live on land!

“Since 2022, the species has been included on the list of invasive alien species of concern for the European Union,” says Demotivateur.

(MH with AsD - Source: Demotivateur - Illustration: Unsplash)