diff --git a/epdb/models.py b/epdb/models.py
index 3acad772..0575e1b9 100644
--- a/epdb/models.py
+++ b/epdb/models.py
@@ -2166,7 +2166,7 @@ class Pathway(EnviPathModel, AliasMixin, ScenarioMixin, AdditionalInformationMix
         smiles: str,
         name: Optional[str] = None,
         description: Optional[str] = None,
-        depth: Optional[int] = 0,
+        depth: Optional[int] = -1,
     ):
         return Node.create(self, smiles, depth, name=name, description=description)