Notable Aquatic Releases in Hawai'i
Scroll down to discover where invasive pets have been discovered throughout the Hawaiian islands.
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Marbled eel
This 10-pound marbled eel was found in a pond near Kaupō, Maui. Although the species did not establish itself, its presence in Maui waters is concerning as it was likely released or escaped captivity. Continue to learn about some of the more harmful species that have been released in Hawaiʻi.
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Anemonia manjano
Present in both Kāneʻohe Bay and Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu, it is suspected this anemone may have been introduced via multiple aquarium releases . This species is popular among inexperienced aquarists due to its resilient nature but can become a pest in aquariums as it can easily overgrow tanks. Once in the ocean, this species may aggressively overtake areas occupied by native corals.
3
Jackson's chameleons
In 1972, approximately 36 Jackson's chameleons were imported by a pet shop owner in Hawai‘i. After being placed in his backyard in Kāneʻohe, they escaped. Due to the lack of natural predators in Hawai‘i, these chameleons were able to establish widespread populations. They prey upon Hawaiʻi’s native insects, spiders, and snails, making them an unwelcome guest in the State. These chameleons now have free-ranging populations on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu. However, they have not yet become established on Kaua‘i or Lāna‘i — please report any sightings on these two islands!
4
Unomia stolonifera
This highly invasive soft coral was first discovered at the mouth of Pearl Harbor in 2019. Known as "pulsing xenia" in the aquarium trade, Unomia is capable of rapid growth and spread, overwhelming and smothering native corals. In Venezuela, it has devastated ecosystems by covering more than 1.2 million square miles of seafloor, drastically reducing reef fish populations and producing a foul, rotten fish odor that extends for dozens of miles along the coastline.
5
Manatee mudflower
The freshwater aquatic plant Micranthemum glomeratu (Manatee Mudflower) was first reported in Nuʻuanu Stream in 2023. While the method of its introduction is unclear, it is likely linked to an aquarium release as it is a popular ornamental plant. A risk assessment conducted by a biologist determined that manatee mudflower poses a high invasion risk due to its ability to spread both vegetatively and by seed. Moving forward, the DAR Aquatic Invasive Species Team will conduct delimiting surveys to monitor the extent of its spread.
6
Apple snail
The apple snail was first sighted in Waipi‘o, on the island of Hawai‘i. Since its initial sighting nearly 30 years ago, it has spread across all the islands. Ranked among the world's top 100 worst invasive species, the apple snail is popular in the aquarium trade and commonly sold under the name “golden apple snail.” These snails damage culturally and economically important taro plants by chewing into the corm at the top of the plant, creating an entry point for bacteria and other pathogens. This damage can either kill the plant or significantly reduce crop quality and yield.