Fishhook waterflea
Cercopagis pengoi
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Photo credit: ©USGS
Cercopagis pengoi
Habitat:
Description:
Origin and Distribution:
Impacts:
How might it get here?
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
Prevent Spread:
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk
Cercopagis pengoi
Habitat:
- It is found in estuarine habitats, lakes, marine habitats, water courses, and wetlands.
Description:
- This species can only be identified using a microscope
- When magnified, a unique loop at the end of its tail, as well as a pointed brood pouch which may contain eggs can be seen
- Please see the Global Invasive Species Database for a more detailed description of this species
Origin and Distribution:
- Originates in the Caspian, Black and Azov seas and small coastal lakes in this area
- Considered invasive in Eastern Europe, Baltic Sea, Laurentian Great Lakes and Finger Lakes
Impacts:
- It is a voracious predator and may compete with other invertebrates and vertebrates
- Through this competition, C. pengoi has the potential to affect the abundance and condition of fish and fish larvae
- This species also impacts fisheries by clogging nets and fishing gears
How might it get here?
- The only described vector for this species is ships ballast water
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
- It is not found in Northern Ireland.
Prevent Spread:
- Bait or bait water should not be released into water body or transport from one water body to another.
- Good containment measures should be followed to control both the spread of adults and resting eggs, which are capable of surviving desiccation and freezing for periods of several years.
- Report all sightings.
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk