Planted freshwater aquarium.
Photo credit: Ian Duggan

Freshwater home aquariums pose a risk for accidental introduction of exotic invertebrates to natural areas according to new research in the journal Biological Invasions. For many aquarium hobbyists, owning a tank is not just about having colorful fish swim around but also about creating a mini-freshwater ecosystem with plants and natural features like driftwood and rocks. One of the pleasant surprises of a freshwater aquarium are the invertebrate organisms like snails and worms that show up (probably hitching a ride with plants) and call your tank home.

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