The Potomac River hosts a number of non native aquatic species of plants and animals. While not all introduced species are necessarily an environmental disaster, there can still be unpredictable consequences resulting from their introduction.
Grows to over 5 inches in length. Edible, used in aquaculture. Native to the South Eastern united states. The red swamp crayfish is aggressive and easily out competes native species of crayfish.
Live bearing (viviparids) instead of laying eggs miniature snails are released. Growing to 1 1/2 to 2 inches long these asian snails outsize just about all native freshwater snails. They primarily graze on algae and will feed on carrion as well.
Native to asia, it is thought to have been introduced into North America in the early 20th century. Average size is 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. An edible species of freshwater clam it may have be orginally been imported as food. The asiatic clam is found throughout the potomac river and in many of its tributaries. It requires relatively clean water and it will not survive in water temperatures below 36 degrees fahrenheit. It can be very prolific creating population densities greater than 10,000 clams per square meter. While it is an active filter feeder helping to clean the water, frequent mass die offs of this creature can severely impact water quality.
First identified in the Potomac River in 1982, Hydrilla has spread through much of the South Eastern United States This plant is native to Southeast Asia and is thought to have been first imported to Florida to be sold as a plant for aquariums. It tends to crowd out all other aquatic vegetation.
Eurasian Water-milfoil is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It can form dense mats that shade out more desirable submerged aquatic vegetation. Unfortunately it seems to be unpalatable to most wildlife. Even grass carp will consume all native aquatic vegetation before they will consume this species.
Native to China where it is a common food item. The Northern Snakehead is well adapted to survival in polluted environments with low disolved oxygen levels.
| HOME | Site Index |
|---|