Snake-like creature that eats anything, can survive in land and water, menaces rivers

MISSOURI: Worrying news has emerged about the spread of snakehead fish in the rivers and ponds of Missouri. These fierce fish, resembling snakes from the back of their heads but with fins like sharks, pose a significant threat to the local environment.

Snakehead fish are known for their ability to swim rapidly in water and crawl on land. They can breathe directly and indirectly through gills, making them highly adaptable. They thrive in dry subsoil and muddy water, often killing off native species in the areas they invade. These python-like creatures are a major environmental hazard.

An alarming example of their resilience is seen in a fish hooked on bait that remained alive for hours despite expectations it would die within minutes. Snakehead fish have strong, sharp teeth and a varied diet, consuming not only small fish but also mammals and small birds.

Missouri Department of Environmental Protection mandates that anyone who catches a snakehead fish must kill it immediately. These fish, native to countries like China, Russia and Korea, can grow up to three feet long and weigh around 20 kg. They have been spotted in America since 2000. Often referred to as "fishzilla" due to their ferocity and large teeth, they lay up to 1,500 eggs three times a year. With no natural predators, humans are the only ones who catch

them.