The fishhook flea was discovered in 1998 by Canadian scientists in Lake Ontario during routine sampling. The crustacean appeared in Lake Michigan in 1999.
Like its cousin Bythotrephes (see below), the fishhook flea has a long tail spine that accounts for 80 percent of its total length and is known for fouling fishing lines.
The fishhook flea feeds on smaller zooplankton species and may reduce food for native fish and other organisms.
Only a little larger than 1 centimeter of which 70% is its sharp, barbed tail.
Spiny Waterflea Bythotrephes longimanus
The spiny water flea is a crustacean distantly related to shrimp, lobster and crayfish. It has a long, barbed tail spine that often catches on fishing lines and downrigger cable.
A native of Great Britain and northern Europe, the spiny water flea was discovered in Lake Huron in 1984 and has spread to all the Great Lakes and some inland lakes.
The spiny water flea feeds on smaller zooplankton in the Great Lakes. Scientists are concerned that the invader may be reducing food for native plankton and fish species.
Bloody Red Shrimp Hemimysis anomala
Native to the Ponto-Caspian region of Eastern Europe. First reported by NOAA from samples collected in Muskegon, Michigan in November 2006 in waters connected to Lake Michigan. Also found in Lake Ontario near Oswego, New York.
Relative of the native Great Lakes opossum shrimp (Mysis diluviana). Both species have stalked eyes and are generally less than ½ inch in length. Bloody red shrimp is slightly smaller and more reddish in color. Tail shape differs.
Prefers habitats associated with hard structures or rocky bottoms. Has a unique swarming behavior unlikely to be confused with anything else in the Great Lakes. This omnivore eats a variety of smaller animals and algae.
Long-term impacts on the Great Lakes are yet unknown. Considered a high risk for invasion of inland lakes in the Great Lakes region.
One of six, the Zooplankton poster, feature colorful illustrations, photos and graphics that help 4th – 8th grade students understand why invasive species are a problem and what can be done.
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One of six, the Zooplankton poster, feature colorful illustrations, photos and graphics that help 4th – 8th grade students understand why invasive species are a problem and what can be done.