ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

Aquatic food web changes to invasive Flathead Catfish along a natural invasion gradient

Biological invasions have the potential to significantly alter the structure and function of aquatic communities. Invasive predatory fish species are known to restructure food webs – since predatory fishes have a dominant influence on community structure in freshwater systems. The Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris is a large piscivorous catfish that is invasive in many parts […]

Population and pollutant estimates for invasive snails in Presque Isle State Park

Invasive species can have direct and indirect negative impacts on native communities. Freshwater snails—because of their diet variety, association with water and sediment, rapid reproduction rates, and obscure life history—can significantly impact the communities they invade. Our preliminary work has shown that Presque Isle State Park (PISP), located along Lake Erie’s shores, is now home […]

Rusty Crayfish Fact Sheet

The rusty crayfish is an aggressive crayfish with a huge appetite. It has not only managed to outcompete native crayfish species but has also devastated aquatic ecosystems in several states including Pennsylvania. Species Description Adult rusty crayfish are typically 7.5-13 cm (3-5 in) long with large, robust claws that display black banded tips. Coloration is […]

Round Goby Fact Sheet

The round goby is a small, but aggressive bottom-dwelling fish that grows rapidly and reproduces several times in one spawning season. It is a huge threat to North American aquatic ecosystems because it is adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions and will eat just about anything alive that will fit in its mouth. […]

Yellow-bellied Slider Fact Sheet

Species Description The yellow-bellied slider has a prominent patch of yellow on the side of the head, which is most evident in juveniles and females. Narrow, yellow stripes mark the neck, legs, and arms. The upper shell (called the carapace) is oval in shape, has slight serrations around the edges, and has olive to brownish-yellow […]

Red-eared Slider Fact Sheet

Species Description The most distinguishing characteristic of the red-eared slider is the unique, broad, reddish-orange patch found behind each eye. The shell is yellowish to dark green with black or off-white stripes. The skin is olive to brown in color with yellow stripes or spots. Adults can reach up to 30 cm (12 in) in […]

Northern Snakehead Fact Sheet

The northern snakehead has been nicknamed “frankenfish” and has starred in two science fiction movies. But what is fact and what is Hollywood fiction? The northern snakehead is a freshwater fish that created a media frenzy when a population was discovered in a Maryland pond. Fishery managers eventually used chemicals to eliminate that population; however, […]

Hydrilla Fact Sheet

Species Description Hydrilla is an aggressively growing perennial plant that roots itself to the bottom of lakes and other waterbodies at depths of up to 12 ft (3.7 m). Its long, branching stems reach up to the water’s surface, where it quickly spreads and takes over. Hydrilla leaves occur in whorls of 3-8, are typically […]

Goldfish Fact Sheet

Species Description Goldfish have elongated, stout bodies which are typically 10-20 cm (4-8 in) in length and weigh 100-300 g (3.5-10.5 oz), although they can reach a maximum length of 59 cm (23 in) and a maxiumum weight of 6.6 lbs. They have a long dosral fin with 15-24 rays, and a hard serrate spine […]

Flathead Catfish Fact Sheet

Species Description As the name suggests, the flathead catfish is most easily recognized by its broad flat head and lower jaw which projects beyond the upper jaw. The flathead catfish also has a distinctive tail fin outline that is square or slightly notched. While the coloration can vary, most adults have an olive-colored back and […]

ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

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