MDC officials confirm northern snakehead fish in Oregon County’s Eleven Point River

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) officials recently removed a northern snakehead from a Missouri tributary to the Eleven Point River in Oregon County. 

The recent discovery suggests the species is becoming more established in Missouri and highlights the importance of anglers reporting any suspected encounters with this invasive fish.

“This is the first time we have confirmed the presence of this species in the Missouri portion of the Eleven Point, which suggests they are spreading into Missouri from known populations downstream in Arkansas,” said MDC Invasive Species Ecologist Angela Sokolowski. “This means their presence will impact this important National Wild and Scenic River and the species that call it home.”

At this time, the invasive fish has been confirmed in only two Missouri river systems, both in southern Missouri. These occurrences, in the St. Francis and Eleven Point Rivers, are connected to established northern snakehead populations in Arkansas, allowing the fish to spread naturally through interconnected waterways. 

There are currently no confirmed populations in other Missouri river systems, but tracking the species is important. Invasive species, like the northern snakehead, can be highly competitive in the habitats they occupy.

“We anticipate negative effects to our aquatic systems, as the invasive fish competes with our existing fish populations for resources,” Sokolowski continued. “Snakeheads are predatory fish and will likely prey upon our native and sport fish, such as smallmouth bass, potentially causing direct negative impacts to populations.” 

It is illegal to import, sell, purchase, or possess a northern snakehead fish in Missouri.

MDC asks anglers not to release any live snakehead fish they capture. Unlike most fish, the snakehead can breathe air, which allows them to survive out of water for several days if their skin stays moist. They can also survive situations where other fish may not, such as in a cooler. Anglers are asked to kill the fish by severing the head, removing internal organs, or putting the fish in a plastic bag that is disposed of in a trash receptacle. 

Report any catches and sightings of the fish to MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730, or online at https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/protect-missouri-fishing/snakehead-fish-reporting.

What to Do if You Catch a Northern Snakehead Fish

• Ensure it’s a snakehead. Northern snakeheads can be confused with the native bowfin. Snakeheads have a snake-like appearance with a much longer anal fin than the bowfin.
• Do not release the fish or throw it on the bank, as it could move back to the water or to a new waterbody. Remember this fish is an airbreather and can live a considerable amount of time out of the water.
• Kill the fish by severing the head, gutting it, or placing it in a sealed plastic bag.
• Photograph the fish so the species can be positively identified.
• Note the location of the catch and report the fish to MDC.

Learn more about the northern snakehead fish and its negative impacts on native ecosystems online at Northern Snakehead | Missouri Department of Conservation

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