The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a stern warning about a predatory fish that can grow up to 3 feet long, slither across land and breathe air.
Deemed the northern snakehead fish (Channa argus) because of its unforgettable head that resembles a snake and its python-like coloration and pattern, MDC Invasive Species Ecologist Angela Sokolowski said in a recent alertthe animal is “one of Missouri’s newest invasive species threats.”
The aquatic creature, native to Asia, is unlike most fish as it can survive in poorly oxygenated water or out of water for several days if its skin stays moist, the organization said.
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
Since they are considered “aggressive predators, preying on native species, and competing for resources,” MDC officials advise those who spot northern snakeheads to “kill the fish by severing the head, gutting it, or placing it in a sealed plastic bag.”
Northern snakehead fish.
Missouri Department of Conservation
The warning comes two months after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service put the animal on its list of “5 invasive species to consider hunting, catching, and cooking.”
“Luckily, they’re delicious with a firm, white, and flaky meat. Try them in fish tacos, grilled, or fried,” the organization said in a February article.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicethe northern snakehead has also been spotted in rivers across areas such as Arkansas, New York and Pennsylvania.
Mature northern snakehead females can carry as many as 50,000 eggs that can hatch in about 24 to 48 hours, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, some will not develop, and others will be eaten by insects and small fish following fertilization.
Northern snakehead fish.
William Thomas Cain/Getty
While they will typically shy away from humans, the U.S. Geological Survey states that “when guarding their eggs or young, they can become aggressive if approached.”
Northern snakeheads were added to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act in 2002, which bans the import and interstate transport of these animals without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Before that, the animals entered the country by being sold in pet stores, live food fish markets and some restaurants across major U.S. cities.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings