'Aggressive predators' caught in Missouri for fourth time: Rare snake-like fish that breathes air.

The northern snakehead fish is capable of moving on land and remaining hydrated for extended periods.

'Aggressive predators' caught in Missouri for fourth time: Rare snake-like fish that breathes air.
'Aggressive predators' caught in Missouri for fourth time: Rare snake-like fish that breathes air.

Is it a fish or a snake? No, it's a snakehead fish.

For the fourth time in Missouri, an angler caught a non-native northern snakehead fish.

According to a recent press release, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) confirmed that a catch occurred on May 25 in Wayne County, and it was confirmed by fisheries biologists.

A fish with a snake-like head and a body that can grow up to 3 feet in length, featuring a python-like coloration and pattern, is a predatory fish.

According to the release, MDC Fisheries Biologist Dave Knuth recognized that the angler had something different and researched the fish's characteristics, ultimately realizing it was indeed a snakehead.

"Several hours passed on the pavement, yet the angler did not die."

The snakehead was transported to the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) office and recovered by an MDC conservation agent four hours after the fish had been left in a bag, according to the MDC's release.

Jacob Plunkett, an MDC Wayne County conservation agent, stated that the fish was still alive when he picked it up.

The fish species has a serpentine appearance and can move on land to reach water.

The MDC reported that the ability to breathe air enables survival in poorly oxygenated water or out of water for several days, as long as the skin remains moist.

The MDC stated that snakeheads, an invasive species from Asia, are aggressive predators that prey on native species and compete for resources.

In 2019, a northern snakehead was first recorded in Missouri when it was caught in a borrow ditch in Dunklin County.

norther snakehead fish caught in Missouri
The invasive snakehead fish, native to Asia, has been recorded in Missouri for the fourth time. The snakehead caught on May 25 (not pictured) in Wayne County was transported to the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) office and recovered by an MDC conservation agent. Wappapello Lake is pictured here, which belongs to the area where the snakehead was captured. (Recreation.gov; iStock)

The other two northern snakeheads confirmed by the MDC were captured in 2023.

If you encounter invasive fish, the MDC has provided a list of items to check off.

The snakehead fish is a popular dish in Southeast Asia.

Instead of releasing or throwing the fish along the bank, take a photo of it to identify the species and record the location where it was caught for the MDC.

northern snakehead fish split
Snakeheads can breathe air and slither along the ground to get to a new body of water after spending hours or even days out of water, as long as their skin remains moist. (iStock)

There are several ways to kill a fish, including severing its head from its body, gutting it, or placing it in a sealed bag.

Report any sightings of the northern snakehead fish to the MDC, the agency advised.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the MDC for comment.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit planetchronicle.net/lifestyle.

by Sydney Borchers

lifestyle

Drinkers may be encouraged to explore alternative beverages due to the link between alcohol use and cancer.

Drinkers may be encouraged to explore alternative beverages due to the link between alcohol use and cancer.

lifestyle
In a Roman grave, archaeologists unearth a 1,600-pound coffin containing unusual items: 'An exceptional discovery'

In a Roman grave, archaeologists unearth a 1,600-pound coffin containing unusual items: 'An exceptional discovery'

lifestyle
10 Tips for Keeping Your Dorm Room Tidy

10 Tips for Keeping Your Dorm Room Tidy

lifestyle
Archaeologists are baffled by the discovery of a hoard of ancient Roman coins: 'Extremely rare'

Archaeologists are baffled by the discovery of a hoard of ancient Roman coins: 'Extremely rare'

lifestyle
Nuclear plant site uncovers 1,000-year-old treasure: 'Remarkable discovery'

Nuclear plant site uncovers 1,000-year-old treasure: 'Remarkable discovery'

lifestyle
Enhance your indoor air quality with these 9 effective products.

Enhance your indoor air quality with these 9 effective products.

lifestyle
TSA Red Flags: Everyday Behaviors by Flight Passengers

TSA Red Flags: Everyday Behaviors by Flight Passengers

lifestyle
During a flag retreat ceremony at Disney's Magic Kingdom, a 100-year-old WWII veteran was honored.

During a flag retreat ceremony at Disney's Magic Kingdom, a 100-year-old WWII veteran was honored.

lifestyle
The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.

The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.

lifestyle
Nine supplements to start the New Year with improved health.

Nine supplements to start the New Year with improved health.

lifestyle
The baptism of Jesus unveils 4 crucial aspects of his identity and purpose.

The baptism of Jesus unveils 4 crucial aspects of his identity and purpose.

lifestyle
Achieve your New Year's health objectives with these Walmart picks.

Achieve your New Year's health objectives with these Walmart picks.

lifestyle
6 Black-owned businesses that deserve your support

6 Black-owned businesses that deserve your support

lifestyle
Boost your self-care routine with Walmart's celebrity-approved wellness products

Boost your self-care routine with Walmart's celebrity-approved wellness products

lifestyle
After 2025, Girl Scouts will discontinue these cookie flavors.

After 2025, Girl Scouts will discontinue these cookie flavors.

lifestyle
Hosting a party on Inauguration Day: How to do it right

Hosting a party on Inauguration Day: How to do it right

lifestyle
In Viking graves, a 1200-year-old treasure and an unusual Christian artifact are discovered by metal detectorists.

In Viking graves, a 1200-year-old treasure and an unusual Christian artifact are discovered by metal detectorists.

lifestyle
Building a Wardrobe: 10 Essentials for Amazon's Winter Sale

Building a Wardrobe: 10 Essentials for Amazon's Winter Sale

lifestyle