Invasive Snakehead Fish Pulled From a Missouri River

Missouri authorities have issued another warning as a nasty invasive fish has just been pulled out of waterway again and they're telling the public to kill them if they encounter them.

The Missouri Department of Conservation shared this warning on their social media places this week

In case you can't see the status they shared on your device, here's what the Missouri Department of Conservation said:

"Off with their heads! We recently removed a northern snakehead fish from a Missouri tributary to the Eleven Point River in Oregon County. Sadly, this latest find means the invasive fish is becoming more common in Missouri. If you come across a northern snakehead, do not release it or throw it on the bank, as it could move back to the water or to a new waterbody. Northern snakehead are airbreathers and can live a considerable amount of time out of the water. Please kill the fish by severing its head, gutting it, or placing it in a sealed plastic bag."

The Missouri Department of Conservation also warned against mistaking the Northern Snakehead which is an invasive species vs a Bowfin which is a native Missouri species. How can you tell the difference between them? Pelvic fins are located far forward on the body, sitting right under or close to the pectoral fins and gills on a Northern Snakehead. The Bowfin has a short anal fin located near the back of the belly, leaving a large gap between the fin and the tail.