The New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is an invasive freshwater gastropod in the UK, first recorded in the mid-19th century. Native to New Zealand, it has spread globally through ballast water and aquaculture activities. This tiny snail thrives in a wide range of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and canals. It reproduces parthenogenetically, allowing populations to grow rapidly, often outcompeting native invertebrates and altering nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Its hardiness and ability to tolerate a variety of conditions make it a challenging invasive species to manage.