Nets, Traps Planned For 'Frankenfish'

October 17, 2004

Release from: Associated Press

Biologists plan to use large nets and traps this week in Chicago's Burnham Harbor to search for the northern snakehead — a type of fish known for its voracious appetite and ability to wreak havoc on freshwater ecosystems.

Experts from Chicago's Field Museum and the Army Corps of Engineers were to begin searching for the unwanted snakehead Friday, but mechanical difficulties halted the survey's start.

An angler caught the 18-inch fish several days ago, packed it in ice and posted a picture of it on the Internet. State biologists confirmed Thursday that the fish was a northern snakehead.

Scientists describe the northern snakehead as a "Frankenfish" for its ability to survive in oxygen-depleted water, move from pond to pond and eat other fish.

The Frankenfish is a native of China, Korea and Russia and can grow to more than three feet in length. It has large teeth and an appetite for other fish, and biologists fear the northern snakehead, usually imported for food or aquariums, could destroy native fish.

Boat problems stalled Friday's plans to electrically shock the harbor near Lake Michigan, and as a result, Field Museum fish biologist Philip Willink said he was only able to interview fishermen Friday who use the harbor.

Up to three nets are scheduled to be installed Monday in the harbor so biologists can catch and examine the fish. Willink said about six traps that will use squid as bait also will be placed in the harbor.