This guide was developed to help bait shop owners, dealers, growers, harvesters, anglers, and others quickly identify invasive baitfish species. These species can be mistakenly included in baitfish shipments, whether the bait is grown or collected. Knowing how to quickly identify and dispose of aquatic invasive species are vital skills in the effort to protect the Commonwealth’s waters from their spread.
Invasive and native species can have very similar physical characteristics, making it difficult to recognize one versus the other. This guide provides quick ID details to help anyone identify invasive baitfish. Native baitfish are also featured in the guide.
Many invasive baitfish species originate from Asia or Europe. However, a species may be native to North America but not to Pennsylvania. Similarly, a species may be native to western Pennsylvania, but considered invasive in eastern Pennsylvania, and vice versa, so it’s important to know which baitfish species are native, locally.
This guide also serves to help increase awareness about aquatic invasive species and the threats they pose to native species and Pennsylvania’s waters.
