Maine was one of 14 states that were asked Wednesday to ban possession and sales of snakehead fish.

Conservationists from the National Audubon Society in Washington requested the action, according to a society press release.

Snakeheads, which can grow up to 3 feet long and exceed 15 pounds, are aggressive, cylindrical predators indigenous to Africa and Asia.

According to the society, scientists fear the invasive freshwater fish could decimate native fish populations, and cause severe and irreversible ecological impacts.

“The prudent thing is to take every precaution to make sure these harmful species are not introduced to rivers or lakes anywhere else in the country,” said society spokesman Mike Daulton.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, snakeheads can remain out of water for up to four days at air temperatures of 50 to 59 degrees, in northern latitudes between 25 to 54.

The fish, which sport caninelike teeth, are now being sold in live fish food markets in Boston and New York. They are also readily available for purchase over the Internet.

In 2002, the service listed 28 species of snakehead fish as injurious, banning import and interstate transport of the species. Before the national ban, more than 50,000 snakeheads were imported to the United States.

More than 30 states have enacted bans on the sale and possession of snakeheads.

The 13 other states not currently banning the sale or possession of snakeheads are New Hampshire, Vermont, Delaware, West Virginia, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Montana, Wyoming and New Mexico.