ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

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 […]

Parrot Feather Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Parrot Feather gets its name from bright green, feather-like leaves which are whorled around the stem. It forms thick mats that choke water bodies, impede recreation, and threaten the physical and chemical characteristics of Pennsylvania’s lakes and streams. Species Description Parrot Feather has both submerged and emergent leaves that can extend […]

Goldfish Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The Goldfish is a member of the carp and minnow family. It was one of the first aquatic invasive species to reach North America, arriving in the 1600s as an ornamental fish for aquariums and water gardens. It is now one of the world’s most widespread invasive species. Species Description The […]

Flathead Catfish Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance The Flathead Catfish is at the top of many “least wanted” invasive species lists because of its large size, carnivorous feeding habits, large size, long life span, adaptability, and ability to swim long distances in a short time. It has been widely introduced into Atlantic Slope drainages and is impacting ecosystems […]

Fanwort Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Fanwort is a fast-growing freshwater perennial that can be found rooted or floating in waters of up to 20 feet (6 m). It is persistent, aggressive, and competitive; forming dense mats that have the potential to take over waterways. Species Description Fanwort has both submerged underwater leaves and floating leaves. Underwater […]

Common Frog-bit Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Common Frog-bit is a free-floating, herbaceous, aquatic plant that resembles a miniature water lily. It has been found in the Great Lakes since the 1930s but is now spreading inland into streams and lakes within the basin. The dense floating mats formed by Common Frog-bit restrict available sunlight and nutrients, displace […]

Curly-leaf Pondweed Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance Curly-Leaf Pondweed is an invasive aquatic perennial plant that can grow offshore in depths of up to 15 ft (4.5 m). It has the unique ability to form new plants under the ice in the winter, making it one of the first nuisance plants to emerge in the spring. Curly-Leaf Pondweed […]

Chinese Mitten Crab Fact Sheet

Species at a Glance This medium-sized burrowing crab was first reported in the San Francisco Estuary in 1992 and is currently only established in California, although individuals have been reported in several East Coast areas such as the Chesapeake Bay and the Hudson River. Its presence in North America is concerning due to the significant […]

ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

Join Our Newsletter