Missouri Officials Say If You See This Fish, Chop Its Head Off — Here’s Why

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a serious warning about a bizarre and dangerous invasive species that’s been spotted in local waters. The northern snakehead fish, known for its snake-like head and ability to survive out of water, is considered a major ecological threat.

“These are one of Missouri’s newest invasive species threats,” said MDC invasive species ecologist Angela Sokolowski. The fish is native to Asia but has now made its way into several U.S. states, including Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and New York.

What sets the northern snakehead apart from other fish is its ability to breathe air and crawl short distances on land. As long as its skin stays moist, it can survive out of water for days, which helps it spread quickly between bodies of water.

The MDC has a very clear message for anyone who encounters the fish: kill it. Officials recommend severing the head, gutting it, or placing it in a sealed plastic bag.

Despite their alarming presence, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggests that they’re actually edible. “Luckily, they’re delicious with a firm, white, and flaky meat,” the agency wrote earlier this year. They even recommended using them in tacos, grilled dishes, or frying them up.

Northern snakehead females can carry up to 50,000 eggs, which hatch within two days—though many do not survive due to predation. The species is also aggressive when guarding eggs or young and could attack if approached.

The snakehead was added to the federal list of injurious wildlife in 2002, making it illegal to import or transport them across state lines without a permit.

Before the ban, snakeheads were sold in pet stores and restaurants across the U.S. Now, authorities are urging the public to help stop their spread by reporting sightings and disposing of them responsibly.