A shore angler netted a northern snakehead fish in a harbor near Chicago’s downtown in October—the first time the voracious predator has been discovered in the Great Lakes, the world’s largest body of fresh water.

Two electrofishing and net sampling surveys conducted by a team of fisheries biologists found no additional snakehead specimens, which eat native fish and compete with them for food, according to published reports.

Illinois added snakehead fish to the state’s list of injurious species in 2002, banning their importation, possession and release.

It is illegal to possess and sell live snakeheads in 38 states. At press time, Gov. Mike Johanns of Nebraska was poised to sign off on regulations approved by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission that would make Nebraska the latest state to ban the possession and sale of the fish. [December 2004 PET AGE]

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A SNAKEHEAD In addition to their trademark protruding lower jaw and razor-sharp teeth, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says snakehead fish can be identified by several physical characteristics: Dorsal fin extending to the tail fin. No barbells. Pectoral and pelvic fins situated close together and near the head. Anal fin extending to the tail fin. Scales on top of the head.