There is a drive now undergoing in some parts of America to eliminate by any means possible a type of fish that is said to be wreaking havoc the ecosystem of its lakes, ponds, and streams because of its invasive nature and insatiable appetite.
Dubbed the ‘fish from hell’ or “fishzilla”, as called by the National Geographic, this mean-looking fish with a snake-like head which is a native to Asia and Africa has now been found in seven states across the country and is already a menace to other fish.
What is bizarre about this mutant fish is its tenacity to survive up to four days on land, reaching about 400 meters (435 yards) in between bodies of water, by wriggling on their fins. They can also grow more than two feet long.
It is believed that the “fishzilla” has made its way to the US through Asian seafood merchants.
To purge the pest or at least control its population, the state of Maryland, for one, is offering $200 gift card and other prizes as a reward for catching and killing the fish.
“This initiative is a way to remind anglers that it is important to catch and remove this invasive species of fish,” said Don Cosden, from the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
To enter the contest, anglers must catch, kill and then post a picture of themselves with a dead snakehead caught in Maryland on the DNR’s website.
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