Exotic species

More exotic species

I’m not sure what’s up in the karmic bureaucracy in the sky, but someone has a serious hate on for the fauna in North American lakes. First, we had the stories about the impending invasion of lake Erie by the asian carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and H. molitrix, and now we hear of the invasion of the southern U.S. by the snakehead fish. This fish (Channa argus) is highly carnivorous and aggressive, and can even survive on land for up to three days without access to water. It has been making its way from pond to pond throughout Maryland and other states, and has the local wildlife officials very concerned about the native species.

This species was likely introduced by accident by someone either in the aquarium trade or someone who purchased the fish live for food. Apparently, it can be easily purchased in asian stores in both New York and Boston. The threat to local wildlife has prompted the U.S. federal government to consider classifying the species such that importation and transport would be illegal. Seems to be a great idea to me.
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