Ripple: Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes

12/17/2025

Another handy tip from our friend Jake the Nature Nerd about aquatic plants in aquariums!

12/11/2025

The state is proposing to add six plants to its prohibited and restricted species list, including two aquatic plants.

The state’s agricultural department wants to add to the list of plants that are not allowed to be sold or imported in Michigan.

12/11/2025

Over the weekend we shared our "don't let it loose" message with aquarium enthusiasts from across the state at the Tropical Fish Swap of Michigan. Attendees were able to get up close and personal with some pesky invaders at our booth and went home with resources to share with their fishy friends. Shout out to Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologists Justin and Ava for joining us in the fun!

12/08/2025

Bowfin are often mistaken for invasive snakehead, but they play an important role in our ecosystem. Learn how to tell the difference and why protecting native species matters from this Michigan State University Extension news article.

Learn how to ID between bowfin, burbot, and the invasive northern snakehead by spotting key differences in body shape, coloration, and fins.

12/04/2025

Thinking about gifting an aquarium this holiday season? Aquariums can be a wonderful way to bring nature indoors, but they also come with responsibilities that protect our environment. Learn tips for selecting the right species, avoiding invasive plants and animals, and creating a healthy habitat for your fish.

Prevent aquarium animals and plants from invading our waterways by following simple steps.

12/01/2025

Jake the Nature Nerd is at it again with a great reminder about keeping crayfish as pets

09/25/2025

🦞✨ Meet the marvel of the crayfish world: the Marbled Crayfish—nature’s self-cloning crustacean! That’s right, these crayfish are always female and reproduce without a mate. 🔍 ID tips: ✅ Look for a round, pocket-like feature between the last pair of walking legs. That’s the annulus ventralis—a s***m pouch that confirms its female. ✅ The marbled color pattern is most visible on the back and its claws are slender. Note: this species looks very similar to our native calico crayfish and white river crayfish. 📍 If you think you've spotted one in Michigan - report it at www.misin.msu.edu. Remember never release aquarium pets into the wild!

09/22/2025

Hydrilla is an the underwater overachiever we don’t want in lakes! This prohibited invasive species once popular in aquariums grows fast, forms thick mats, and chokes out native aquatic life. It was spotted for the first time in Michigan waters in 2023.
🧐 ID tip: it has whorls of 4–8 narrow leaves, often with tiny teeth.
📍 Spot it? Report at www.misin.msu.edu

09/19/2025

🦞 Red Swamp Crayfish are colorful, clawed, and invasive! 🔍 Visual ID can be hard but look for...
✅ Claws: Sabre-shaped with bumpy texture
✅ Colors: Red, white, purple, and even blue (wild ones are usually bright red but our aquarium friends are much more stylish!)
✅ Back: “Closed areola” on its back
👉 Check out our invasive crayfish almanac to learn more ID tips bit.ly/crayfishalmanac
📍 If spotted, report at www.misin.msu.edu
🚫 Never release aquarium pets into the wild!

09/18/2025

Not all claws are created equal—meet the invasive crayfish crew of Michigan. 📢 Check out our Great Lakes Almanac to Invasive Crayfish and learn how to tell these invaders apart from our friendlier native craydads 👉 bit.ly/crayfishalmanac

09/16/2025

Excited to be partnering with Jake the Nature Nerd to raise awareness of invasive species. Tip #1: Don't let your pet goldfish go.

09/15/2025

Fall is the perfect time to show your water garden some love! Proper care now means fewer headaches—and healthier plants and fish—come spring.
✅ Trim plants after the first frost
✅ Remove debris to reduce nutrients and algae
✅ Never release aquarium plants or fish into the wild

Learn more from this MSU Extension Center for Lakes and Streams article 👇

Water gardens experience major changes as chillier weather approaches; managing plants, fish and debris throughout the fall will lead to greater success next year.