Invasive Fish Species Found In East Arkansas

April 29, 2008

Release from: Associated Press

BRINKLEY, Ark. - State officials say an invasive fish species from Asia has been identified in Lee County.

The northern snakehead was banned in Arkansas in 2002, but officials say the species may have been brought into the state before the ban. The fish is used as a food source in Asia.

Biologists are killing every confirmed northern snakehead they find, but officials say eradication will be difficult.

But biologists urged that the fish isn't dangerous to humans - only to other fish.

The northern snakehead target largemouth bass, bream and crappie.