DEC investigating report of invasive northern snakehead fish in Suffolk's Lily Pond

State environmental officials are investigating a report that an invasive, predatory fish capable of decimating other fish populations was caught in a pond in Lake Ronkonkoma.

It would be the first time the northern snakehead, which can feast on other freshwater fish and animals and live outside the water for days, was found on Long Island, state environmental officials confirmed.

A fisherman, Vinny Cornwell, who lives in Florida and has residency in Centereach, said in an interview he caught a pair of northern snakeheads at Lily Pond about a week and a half ago, and then others since then. He posted photos and a video to social media.

On Wednesday,  state Department of Environmental Conservation officials could be spotted at the pond casting lines into the water and "electrofishing," a non-lethal method that pulses electric currents through the water to slow the fish so they can be gathered and recorded, according to officials. 

"DEC has ended operations for the day with no snakeheads found," the agency said in an email Wednesday. "DEC will continue to investigate this matter to determine if snakeheads are in the area."

Originating in Asia, the northern snakehead was likely brought to New York waters through dumpings from aquariums and fish markets, the DEC said. Fishermen, the agency said, have also helped spread the fish by using them as bait and having them in holding tanks on boats.

The fish, which prefers to inhabit ponds and swamps and can feast on fish and other animals, can live outside of water for several days, possibly allowing it to move to different bodies of water, officials said.

In New York, the northern snakehead was found and contained within two Queens ponds, officials said. In 2008, they were also eradicated from Ridgebury Lake in the Hudson Valley.

  State officials said their presence wouldn't be welcome, in part because of the economic losses for communities that rely on tourism from recreational fishing.

"It is crucial to stop the spread of this invasive predator to protect the health of our waters, wildlife, and fishing industry," the DEC said in an email to Newsday.

By Tiffany Cusaac-Smith

tiffany.cusaac-smith@newsday.com@T_Cusaac

Tiffany Cusaac-Smith is a general assignment reporter for Newsday. She previously worked at USA TODAY and is an alum of Howard University.