Louisiana wildlife officials ask anglers for help against invasive fish

Louisiana wildlife officials ask anglers for help against invasive fish

By Jarmarlon Thompkins

Source: knoe

10/26/2020

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for help from anglers in catching a non-native fish that is highly predatory and preys on the natives in Louisiana.

LDWF says the non-native Northern Snakehead has the potential to devastate recreational and commercial fisheries. They say the fish can easily be confused with the Bowfin or “choupique” (shoe-pick) which is a native species to Louisiana, so, it is important for anglers to be able to tell the difference.

LDWF says if you think you caught a Northern Snakehead, do not put it back in the water. Instead, take a side view picture of the fish, kill it, double bag it, freeze it and contact the Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline at (225)-265-3977 or AquaticInvasives@wlf.la.gov. Also, be sure to note the exact location where you caught the fish.

They say though there has not been any reported sightings of the fish in Louisiana, there has been some in Mississippi, which is why they want to keep tabs on any that may be spotted in Louisiana.