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National Invasive Species Information Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
  1. Home
  2. Aquatic Invasives
  3. Aquatic Invertebrates

Aquatic Invertebrates

Aquatic invasive invertebrates are non-native animals that lack a vertebral column (backbone) and spend the majority of their lives in freshwater, marine, or estuarine environments (including inland waters, riparian areas, and wetlands). Crustaceans and mollusks are the most common invasive aquatic invertebrates found in the United States.

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Note: Our species profiles provide general information about species considered to be invasive. This is not a list of all invasive species, nor does our information have regulatory implications. The large numbers of invasive species prevent us from maintaining detailed information on ALL invasive species. In addition, determining the invasiveness of a species depends on a number of local factors, including type of habitat. Our species profiles are provided as an educational informational tool.