Invasive Snakehead Fish Caught in Georgia
In early October, an angler reported catching a northern snakehead, an aquatic invasive species, in a pond located on private property in Gwinnett County, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Snakeheads have been reported in 14 states in the United States, however, this is the first confirmed report from Georgia. 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 can survive in low oxygenated systems.
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 close ups of its mouth, fins and tail.
- Note where it was caught (waterbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates).
- Report it to your regional Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Office (https://georgiawildlife.com/about/contact#fish)
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