The state of New York in America has confirmed the presence of the snakehead fish, an invasive species that has caused concern among local authorities. An individual was found on Long Island at the end of May, as reported by the New York Post.
A fisherman discovered the captured fish in Lily Pond. Due to its ability to move on land, the snakehead has already been dubbed the “Frankenstein fish” in the US. Representatives from the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation note that the species poses a significant threat to the local ecosystem.
“These fish can walk on land. It’s an invasive species, and they have no natural predators here,” stated Heidi O’Riordan from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
She further elaborated that predators of this kind are capable of consuming almost anything that fits into their mouths, making them particularly hazardous to aquatic environments. According to specialists, snakehead fish began spreading in the US in 2013 and have already caused damage to the fauna of several states.
New York authorities deem this species so dangerous that fishermen are required to kill any individuals they find and report their discoveries. It is believed that the snakehead may have entered Lily Pond from a private aquarium, after which it began to spread into the natural environment. This species originally inhabits bodies of water in the Far East, ranging from the Yangtze River to the Amur River basin. The fish is capable of breathing air and moving across land between water bodies.
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