Killer shrimp
Dikerogammarus villosus
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Photo credit: ©Environment Agency
Killer shrimp - Dikerogammarus villosus
Origin and Worldwide Distribution:
Potential or Known Impacts:
How could it get here?
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
Methods for Prevention:
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
Killer shrimp - Dikerogammarus villosus
Habitat:
Description:
- It is found in fresh water and brackish waters.
Description:
- It has a laterally compressed, arched and semi-transparent body, reaching up to 30mm. It displays striped, spotted and uniform colour morphs, which is probably a form of camouflage from predators. It is an effective predator, with large mandibles aiding in that behaviour.
Origin and Worldwide Distribution:
- It is native to the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.
- It is now found in Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Serbia. There are a few occurrences in the United Kingdom.
Potential or Known Impacts:
- It is an effective predator due to its larger size and large size. It readily alters food webs after replacing native amphipods by consuming fish eggs and fry, and filter-feeding on microalgae.
- It is highly adaptable to different habitats, and is able to move to and colonise new areas.
How could it get here?
- It is often spread by transportation inside boats and ships to a wider range of environments. It can also spread by using rivers, and manmade waterways.
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
- It is not present in Northern Ireland.
Methods for Prevention:
- It is important to create horizon scanning plans that can be used, as they have early-warning signs, like maps of the current distribution.
- If you are using waterways for recreation or work, it’s important to check and clean your equipment before letting it dry to prevent the spread of this species.
- 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
NIEA-ID-Guide-Dikerogammarus-villosus-Killer-Shrimp