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Invasive Species: Aquatic Species
General measures should be taken to prevent transfer of aquatic invasive species (quagga mussel, didymo, etc.) through recreational, fishing, boating, and fire-fighting activities. The basic process to prevent transfer is to clean and dry anything (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.) that comes in contact with potentially infested water. Water transfer between contaminated and non-contaminated water should also be avoided. Further information on preventing aquatic invasive species can be found at:
- Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
- Watercraft Decontamination Protocols and Standards
- Fire Operations Guidelines for Decontamination
State plans for managing aquatic invasive species can be found at State Game & Fish websites:
- Arizona: Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan
- New Mexico: AIS New Mexico Management Plan Final Oct-2008
Aquatic Invasive Species of Concern
The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana) is the largest frog in the U.S. with lengths ranging from 3.5 to 8 inches. This species is not native west of the Rocky Mountains, but has been widely introduced in the western U.S. since the early 1900’s for sport, food, and inadvertently during fish stockings. Adult bullfrogs will eat nearly everything small enough for them to catch and swallow, including fishes, turtles, birds, bats, snakes, small mammals, a variety of invertebrates, and other frogs including their own young.
Predation by bullfrogs has contributed to the decline and extirpations of native leopard frogs and garter snakes including Mexican garter snake (Thamnophis eques) and Chiricahua leopard frog. Bullfrogs are also a vector for chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that is killing frogs and toads around the globe.
*photo: American Bullfrog
Didymosphenia geminata, commonly known as didymo or rock snot, is a diatom species that produces thick mats along stream and lake beds. Although native to northern Europe, didymo has become invasive to water systems of the U.S. which now includes New Mexico. Large mats of didymo can cover more than half a mile and choke out most other aquatic life, including fish. It can be easily spread by fishing gear or waders that have not been cleaned.
« more information on didymo »
*photo: Didymo
The Northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis) is a small, lobster-like crustacean that inhabits freshwater ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. Its coloration is typically muddy green to reddish-brown with green to greenish blue pincers with orange tips. The crayfish is an opportunistic omnivore, consuming aquatic plants, larval fish, snakes, turtles, insects, and other invertebrates. Northern crayfish populations have exploded in Arizona and have been implicated in a number of native species declines, including lowland leopard frogs (Lithobates yavapaiensis), mud turtles (Kinosternon spp.) and the Little Colorado spine dace (Lepidomeda vittata).
Endangered native species, including the Chiricahua leopard frog (L. chiricahuensis) and the Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis), may also be at risk. Northern crayfish are introduced by escaping or being released from bait buckets and discarded by aquarium enthusiasts.
* photo: Northern Crayfish; Kerry Yurewicz, bugguide.net
Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) and zebra mussel (D. polymorpha) are potential aquatic invasive species in waterbodies of the Southwest. Originally carried in ships’ ballast water from Europe, these mussels have moved from the Great Lakes into the Rocky Mountain West. Both species are generally thumbnail-sized and attach to nearly any surface. Once established, these mollusc species can clog pipe systems and alter the aquatic food chain. Priority should be given to preventing infestations through sanitation measures such as boat cleaning as well as eradication of incipient infestations.
An action plan specific to prevent and minimize infestations of quagga and zebra mussels in western U.S. waters has been prepared by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF).
*photo: Zebra Mussel
Key Contacts
Janet Nickerman
R3 Pesticide / Invasive Species Specialist
626-353-8439
