The aquarium industry is a popular hobby in the United States, with more than 13 million households maintaining aquariums. However, when owners decide they no longer want, or can no longer take care of the animals and plants in their aquariums, species are often released into the natural environment where they can establish and become invasive. It is important that aquarium owners understand the impacts that aquatic invasive species (AIS) can have, and ensure that plants and animals are disposed of in a proper manner and are never released into the natural environment.
This tip sheet offers information about aquatic invasive species and alternatives to releasing aquarium pets into the wild.
