Fisherman in Harlem Meer, the popular fishing spot in Central Park's northeastern corner, are being advised to be on the lookout for an invasive species of fish in the water -- and on land, too.
New York City environmental officials say the northern snakehead is a toothy predator fish that can disrupt the ecosystem by eating nearly anything in its path. And the snakehead is resilient as it is destructive - the fish can survive under slates of ice or even for days on land if the ground is damp enough.
As top level predators, the fish have no natural enemies outside of their native environment. The creature's torpedo-shaped body can grow up to three-feet long and is reportedly a prodigious eater and breeder, which is why environmental officials are so concerned.
"I would describe them as the freshwater fish equivalent of a tank," said Ron P. Swegman, a fly-fishing expert and writer, in an interview with The New York Times.
"They are heavily armed," he said, "strong, and can cover almost any territory, aquatic and - at least for short periods - on land."
Fisherman in Central Park are being asked not to release the fish back into the water if they catch one. Signs warn anglers to "secure the fish" and "keep it in a secure container until it is picked up by officials."
Melissa Cohen, Department of Environmental Conservation fisheries manager, said the signs are "just to let people know that this fish is in there, if you find it please do not return it to the water and it also helps people become aware that there are things in the water that should not be there," according to NBC news.
The snakehead fish is common in Asia, but considered an invasive species in the American waters. This is not the first time the snakehead fish has been reported in New York City. According to NBC news, the fish, native to China, Russia and Korea, has been spotted in Queens in recent years, and one was quietly observed in Harlem Meer several years ago.