Species not Established in the U.S.

The following species of concern provides examples of why we must increase our efforts in early detection and rapid response and prevention of new introductions. See Manager's Tool Kit - Early Detection and Rapid Response: Species not Established in the U.S. for general resources and other species information.

• Nile perch
• Golden mussel
• Killer shrimp
• Oxygen weed

This information is provided as an educational tool and is not inclusive of all invasive aquatic species not yet established in the U.S.

Scientific name: Lates niloticus                     

Common name: Nile Perch

Native To: Africa

Images: Google

Impact: Was introduced to Lake Victoria (Africa) in 1954, where it destroyed 200 native species of fish through predation and competition for food. Has been intentionally introduced to Texas for sport fishing (unknown impact)nil, but is not established in the wild.

Resources:
Lates niloticus - Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
DOI. Florida Integrated Science Center. Center for Aquatic Resource Studies.

Lates niloticus (fish) - ISSG Global Invasive Species Database
World Conservation Union. Invasive Species Specialist Group.

Scientific name: Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857)

Common name: Golden mussel

Native To: China and South Eastern Asian rivers and creeks

Images: Google

Impact: Has invaded South America through ballast water, and could be introduced to North America through ballast water. Impacts would be similar to the zebra mussel, except the golden mussel can survive in a wider range of habitats.

Resources:
Limnoperna fortunei (mollusc) – ISSG Global Invasive Species Database
World Conservation Union. Invasive Species Specialist Group.

Golden mussel - Limnoperna fortunei (PDF | 640 KB)
DOD. USACE. Engineer Research and Development Center. Environmental Laboratory.

Scientific name: Dikerogammarus villosus (Sowinsky, 1894)

Common name: Killer shrimp

Native To: Eastern Europe

Images: Google

Impact: Has invaded western Europe. Could invade U.S. through ballast water and cause extinction of local species through predation. These large shrimp are over an inch long and have voracious appetites. They often kill much more than they eat and could severely damage the food web.

Resources:
Killer shrimp - Dikerogammarus villosus (PDF | 209 KB)
DOD. USACE. Engineer Research and Development Center. Environmental Laboratory.

Scientific name: Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss

Common name: Oxygen weed

Native To: Southern Africa

Images: Invasive.org and Google

Impact: Has invaded New Zealand and Europe. It can inhabit freshwater lakes, dams and slow moving streams. Forms dense mats that block sunlight, thereby killing native aquatic plant and animal species, which could rival the harmful effects of hydrilla.

Resources:
Lagarosiphon major - Non-Native Invasive Aquatic Plants in the United States
University of Florida. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Lagarosiphon major (aquatic plant) - ISSG Global Invasive Species Database
World Conservation Union. Invasive Species Specialist Group.