ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

Rusty Crayfish Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The Rusty Crayfish is a large, aggressive crayfish that can outcompete native crayfish species and alter ecosystems with its appetite for aquatic plants and organisms. This species tends to grow faster, become larger, and exhibit more aggression than native crayfish species. While it gets its name from the rusty colored spots […]

Water Chestnut Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Water Chestnut is a rooted aquatic plant that can dominate ponds, shallow lakes, and rivers. A single plant can produce multiple floating rosettes of leaves that grow in thick colonies, displacing native vegetation and limiting recreation and navigation. Each plant can produce up to 20 nuts, also called drupes, that have […]

Aquatic Invasive Species Slide Decks

Aquatic Invaders Attack Packs

The Aquatic Invaders Attack Pack is a toolkit for educators, available for loan. Request the attack pack today! The pack includes a classroom guide, a Sea Lamprey model, giant posters of the Silver and Bighead Carp, and acrylic block specimens of Zebra Mussels, Rusty Crayfish, Round Goby, and the Eurasian Ruffe. Also included is a […]

Round Goby Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance 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 threat to aquatic ecosystems as it causes declines in native species of fish and poses a threat to health as it can harbor contaminants such as heavy […]

Red-eared Slider Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance  The Red-eared Slider is a hardy freshwater turtle that is popular as an aquarium pet in the United States. It gets its name from the broad red stripes present behind each eye. Its popularity in the pet trade has helped account for its numerous introductions worldwide, and it is now designated […]

AIS Prevention Tips for Boaters

Recreational boating is one way that aquatic invasive species (AIS) are spread. Boats, motors, and trailers have ideal hiding spots where species may attach and be transported to new locations. Many of these species can survive out of water for five days or more. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that […]

Starry Stonewort Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance  While Starry Stonewort resembles a true plant, it is actually a rooted alga descended from some of the earliest life forms on Earth. Its ability to degrade ecologically sensitive areas and proliferate rapidly make it a highly invasive species.  Species Description  This robust alga grows more than 2 m (7 ft) […]

Sea Lamprey Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The Sea Lamprey is a primitive, jawless fish that is often confused as an eel. Because of its parasitic lifestyle, it has had severe negative impacts on Great Lakes fish populations such as Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish, and Walleye. It uses its suction cup-like mouth and raspy teeth to latch […]

Rainbow Smelt Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance  The Rainbow Smelt is a small, predatory fish popular with anglers because of its fine flavor. Its Latin name, Osmerus, which comes from the Greek word meaning “odor” is fitting because when removed from the water, it gives off an odor that smells like freshly cut cucumbers.  Species Description  The Rainbow […]