S.C. Department of Natural Resources officials are warning anglers that if the invasive northern snakehead fish is caught in the Palmetto State, anglers should kill it immediately and by all means not release it back into the water.
In early October, a Georgia angler reported catching a Northern snakehead, an aquatic invasive species, in a pond located on private property in Gwinnett County, Ga. This is the first time the Northern snakehead has been confirmed in Georgia waters. In the Southeast, northern snakeheads have also been found in North Carolina and Florida.
“Our first line of defense in the fight against aquatic invasive species, such as the northern snakehead, is our anglers,” said Ross Self, chief of freshwater fisheries with the SCDNR. “If South Carolina anglers catch a northern snakehead, they should kill it immediately and report it to SCDNR.”
Snakeheads, native of Asia, have been reported in 14 states. The snakehead is a long, thin fish, similar in appearance to the native bowfin. They can get up to three feet in length. They have a long dorsal fin that runs along their whole back, and have a dark brown blotchy appearance. They can breathe air, and survive in low oxygenated systems.
The snakehead is a top-level predator fish, and its introduction poses a substantial threat to native fish populations.
If you believe you have caught a northern snakehead:
Do not release it.
Kill it immediately (remember, it can survive on land) and freeze it.
If possible, take pictures of the fish, including closeups of its mouth, fins and tail.
Note where it was caught (waterbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates).
Report it to the SCDNR by calling 1-800-922-5431.
Invasive species are often introduced through unauthorized release. Non-native invasive species such as the northern snakehead have the potential to impact native species by competing for food and habitat. In South Carolina, it is unlawful to import, transport, sell, transfer, or possess any species of snakehead fish without a valid wild animal license.
For more information, visit dnr.sc.gov/water/envaff/aquatic/snakehead.html.
