Two striking features of this issue are the diverse group of scientists and the wide range of invasions reported. The 14 papers have a total of 69 authors from 12 countries and 34 institutions!

The first paper in the issue compares the life history traits of aquatic non-indigenous species in freshwater and marine habitats, linking them to invasion success.

Looking at the freshwater papers, a range of taxa and geographies are represented. There is microsatellite evidence for multiple paternity in gastropod molluscs (Pomacea canaliculata) that have invaded China from the Americas. In turn, Michal Janáč and colleagues report on the population characteristics and short-term impacts of an isolated round goby population (Neogobius melanostomus) in the upper Elbe (Germany).

Four papers deal with freshwater invasions or potentially invasive species that originated either as pets or deliberate introductions:

Working from the UK, Ross Cuthbert et al. examine the potential effects of four North American species of turtles that are commonly sold as pets.

On the other side of the globe, the presence of Asian swamp eels (Amphipnous cuchia) in five locations in the eastern US are related to live-food trade and prayer-release rituals.

Eight study sites at high altitudes (above 3000m) on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet provide new insights into how climate, habitat and human disturbance are driving the variation of life-history traits of the invasive goldfish (Carassius auratus).

Back near sea level, the recently introduced ornamental shrimp (Neocaridina denticulata) in Israel can be attributed to aquarium releases.

Marine species dominate this new issue, starting with a report of the reduced genetic variation of the Randall’s threadfin bream (Nemipterus randalli) in the Mediterranean Sea.

Research from the Portuguese coast shows how food sources of the non-indigenous bivalve (Ruditapes philippinarum) and trophic niche overlap with native species.

Further west in the Azores, a multi-scaled approach sheds light on the distribution patterns of the invasive alga (Asparagopsis armata).

Still in the Atlantic, researchers found that ocean temperature does not limit the establishment and rate of secondary spread of a bryozoan in the Gulf of St Lawrence.

A study of the distribution and potential larval connectivity of the non-native Watersipora (Bryozoa) discovered that bryozoans previously recorded only on artificial habitats have also invaded natural habitats in the eastern Pacific.

Finally, two experimental studies from Poland focused on the diversity and abundance of microorganisms migrating with the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and on chemical communication among invasive Ponto-Caspian gammarids.

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