NEW ORLEANS--The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission took measures Aug. 2 to prevent the spread two of exotics, the apple snail and Rio Grand cichlid. Both species pose a threat to native habitat and fish populations.

In order to promote the removal of apple snails, the Commission made it illegal to buy, sell or possess the exotic species.

Apple snails eat vast amounts of vegetation and reproduce at a rapid rate, disrupting the natural ecological process. They are primarily a threat to wetlands and rice plants.

The Rio Grand cichlid tends to outcompete native fish for habitat and bedding areas. The commission’s action revises the existing rule to allow an individual to retain the fish, as long as it is killed upon capture.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb, or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For more information, contact Rob Bourgeois at (225) 765-0765 or rbourgeois@wlf.la.gov.