ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

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 […]

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 […]

ResearchTopic: Invasive Species

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