Invasive 'Frankenfish' Threaten East Coast Ecosystems
Northern snakehead fish, colloquially known as 'Frankenfish,' are causing ecological disruptions along the East Coast of the United States. These invasive predators, native to Asia, have colonized the Chesapeake Bay watershed and are spreading to other regions, including Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The snakeheads can survive out of water for days and move on land, posing a threat to native fish species, recreational fishing, and aquatic ecosystems. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service classifies them as an injurious species under the Lacey Act, prohibiting their possession or transport while alive. Efforts to control their population include angler harvesting, which has shown some success in reducing their numbers.