Northern Snakehead Fish Can Survive on Land—US and EU Authorities on Alert

Invasive species are often the quiet troublemakers of the animal kingdom, sneaking into ecosystems where they don’t belong and tipping the balance of local wildlife. The northern snakehead fish is one such villain. Its unique survival skills and aggressive nature have scientists and authorities in both the US and the EU scrambling to contain it before it becomes a bigger problem.

A Fish That Breathes Air

The northern snakehead (Channa argus) isn’t your typical fish. While most fish are stuck relying on oxygenated water to survive, this one has an unusual talent: it can breathe air. This ability allows it to survive in low-oxygen environments, and even out of water for several days—as long as its skin stays moist. It’s like something out of a survivalist’s dream, but for this fish, it’s a nightmare for local ecosystems.

This became especially evident in Missouri, where the Department of Conservation recently confirmed the discovery of a fourth specimen of this fish after previous sightings in 2019 and 2023. A local fisherman caught one in May 2024, and although he initially thought it was dead when left on the sidewalk for several hours, the fish defied expectations and stayed alive. Dave Knuth, a biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, explained the situation, saying the fisherman quickly realised the creature was no ordinary fish but indeed a northern snakehead—a predator capable of defying death by air.

A Terrifying Predator for Local Wildlife

What makes the northern snakehead such a threat to the environment isn’t just its ability to survive in tricky conditions; it’s also its aggressive nature and voracious appetite. These fish have sharp, needle-like teeth that allow them to hunt and consume any prey that fits into their sizable mouths. Native species don’t stand a chance.

Growing up to 3 feet long and weighing up to 11 pounds, the northern snakehead is a powerful predator. It’s able to take over local food sources and habitat, and with no natural predators in the US, its population can grow unchecked. As if that wasn’t enough, female northern snakeheads can spawn up to five times a year, releasing as many as 50,000 eggs per cycle. With these reproductive capabilities, it’s no wonder wildlife officials are on edge.

Originally native to parts of Asia, the snakehead has been introduced to areas far beyond its natural range—often by humans, either intentionally or accidentally. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has even added it to their list of invasive species of concern. And it’s not just the US that’s worried. The European Union is also keeping an eye on the northern snakehead, considering the damage it could do if it takes root in European waters.

Why the Alarm?

Invasive species like the northern snakehead are not only a threat to the local food chain but also to fishing industries, aquatic ecosystems, and biodiversity. Authorities in both the United States and Europe are working to prevent the spread of this fish, but given its remarkable survival tactics, it’s proving to be a tricky foe.

The northern snakehead is a prime example of how a single species can disrupt an entire ecosystem, all because it possesses a few adaptations that make it far more resilient than the native creatures it preys upon. As researchers continue to study its impact, it’s clear that the fight to protect local wildlife from this formidable invader is far from over.

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Brandon Lee

Hi, I’m Brandon from the Decatur Metro team. I guide you through the trends and events reshaping our region.