Suffolk County, New York — Wildlife officials in New York are sounding the alarm after the discovery of an invasive fish species capable of surviving on land, breathing air and threatening local ecosystems.
The fish, known as the Northern Snakehead, was recently found in Lily Pond at Lake Ronkonkoma in Suffolk County, raising immediate concerns among environmental experts and fisheries officials.
Invasive Fish Found in Multiple New York Locations
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), three Northern Snakehead fish were discovered in the pond during monitoring efforts.
Officials also confirmed the species has previously been found in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens and in Central Park, suggesting the invasive fish may already be spreading through parts of New York.
The species has gained national attention over the years because of its unusual survival abilities.
DEC Aquatic Biologist Heidi O’Riordan explained that the fish can move across land under certain conditions.
“Can cross the road,” O’Riordan told ABC 7 while describing the species’ ability to survive outside water.
Fish Can Breathe Air and Survive on Land
The Northern Snakehead is considered especially dangerous because it can breathe atmospheric air and survive for days outside water.
Native to the Yangtze River Basin in China, the fish is known for its aggressive predatory behavior and ability to thrive in a wide range of environments, including ponds, swamps, canals, lakes and rivers.
Experts say the species can grow up to three feet long and weigh as much as 20 pounds, with a distinctive python-like pattern on its body.
Officials fear the fish could rapidly spread between waterways if not removed quickly.
Officials Fear Ecological Damage
Environmental officials warn the invasive species poses a serious threat to native fish populations and local ecosystems because it has few natural predators in the region.
According to O’Riordan, the concern is especially high for Lake Ronkonkoma’s fish populations.
“We really want to be on top of it and get rid of them quickly because we have Lake Ronkonkoma[‘s] bass wildlife, so having the snakehead move in there would not be a good situation,” she told CBS New York.
She acknowledged that some fishermen may view the fish as an exciting catch but emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
“I do see the point of the fishermen having a very exciting catch, but it’s not something we’re going to take lightly.”
DEC Launches Effort to Remove Fish
To prevent the species from spreading further, the DEC has started using a method known as electrofishing.
The process uses electric currents in the water to temporarily stun fish, allowing experts to locate and remove invasive species more effectively.
DEC official Kevin Jennings expressed hope that crews can stop the spread before the fish reaches additional waterways.
“Hopefully we can get it before they move to any other locations,” Jennings told.
Public Urged to Help Prevent Spread
The Northern Snakehead is federally classified as “Injurious Wildlife,” and New York law prohibits possessing, transporting or selling the species.
Officials are urging boaters and anglers to take precautions to avoid spreading invasive species between waterways.
The DEC recommends thoroughly cleaning boats and fishing equipment, removing mud and plants, draining water from boats and avoiding dumping aquarium contents or unused bait into lakes or rivers.
The invasive fish has already been reported in several other states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Arkansas and Missouri.
What do you think about officials discovering this invasive “walking” fish in New York? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
