ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

Common Carp Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance The Common Carp is one of the oldest species to have been introduced globally and is present on every continent except for Antarctica. It is considered among the world’s worst invasive species according to the Global Invasive Species Database and is the most frequently reported nuisance fish in […]

Water Lettuce Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance As its name suggests, Water Lettuce is a floating aquatic plant that resembles an open head of lettuce. It is a popular plant used in aquariums, ponds, and water gardens. A Great Lakes study found that 20% of aquarium and pet stores near Lakes Erie and Ontario carried […]

Water Hyacinth Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance Water Hyacinth is a free-floating flowering perennial plant that forms dense mats in the water which can cover the surface of a lake or pond. Its beauty makes it a popular ornamental plant for ponds; however, its fast growth makes it one of the worst aquatic weeds in […]

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) virus is a highly contagious fish pathogen that is known for causing significant fish kills in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. In Pennsylvania, regulations are in place to prevent its spread through infected fish or contaminated water. Species Description […]

Spiny & Fishhook Waterfleas Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance The Spiny Waterflea and the Fishhook Waterflea are tiny freshwater crustaceans that threaten native fish populations by consuming a main food source, plankton. They are also a nuisance to anglers as they collect in cotton-like masses on fishing lines and downrigger cables. Species Description Clumps of Waterfleas have a […]

Eurasian Watermilfoil Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance Eurasian Watermilfoil is a feathery submerged aquatic plant that was once commonly sold as an aquarium plant. It quickly forms thick, damaging mats that cause harm in shallow areas of rivers and lakes throughout North America. Species Description Eurasian Watermilfoil has small (<2 cm long) feathery leaves that […]

Eurasian Ruffe Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance The Eurasian Ruffe is a small but aggressive member of the perch family. Its prolific growth, reproduction, and ability to adapt to a wide range of environments make it a serious threat to both aquatic environments and commercial and sport fishing industries. Species Description The Eurasian Ruffe has a […]

American Lotus Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance The American Lotus is an aquatic perennial plant with large round leaves, luminescent yellow flowers, and distinctive cone-shaped seed pods. The name American Lotus means “sacred bean” after the seed pods, which are popular in dried floral arrangements. Unfortunately, this fast-growing species is also a strong colonizer that […]

Allegheny Crayfish Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance Also known as the obscure crayfish, the Allegheny Crayfish is a medium-sized crayfish that typically inhabits rocky substrates in streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and competes for habitat and food resources with native crayfish species. This species has unique management implications, as it is native to the western […]

Faucet Snail Fact Sheet

PDF coming soon Species at a Glance The Faucet Snail is a small freshwater snail that grazes and filters algae from lakes. It is native to Europe and was most likely introduced to the Great Lakes through contaminated solid ballast of large timber transport ships, or from vegetation used in packing crates. The Faucet Snail […]

ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

Join Our Newsletter