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| Spiny water fleas (Bythotrephes longimanus) Credit: Emily DeBolt, Lake George Association |
Bythotrephes longimanus
History:
- Spiny water flea was first found in North America in 1984 in Lake Huron
Characteristics:
- Small predatory crustacean
- Grows up to 0.6 in (15 mm) long
- Long, straight tail spine is twice as long as body
Habitat:
- Estuaries, lakes, wetlands
- Upper water column of large and small temperate lakes
- Can tolerate brackish water
- Limited to regions where water temperature is 40-86 degrees F and salinity is 0.04-8.0%
Known Distribution:
- New York and Great Lakes region
- 2014 discovered in Lake Champlain (NY & VT)
- Native to Europe and Asia
Impacts:
- Competes directly for prey with juvenile and small fish; implicated as a factor in decline of alewife
- Substantial impact on zooplankton community structure
- Can foul fishing lines and downrigger cables
Common Vector(s):
Overland transport (e.g. boats, equipment)Shipping: Ballast water
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| Spiny water fleas on fish line Credit: Emily DeBolt, Lake George Association |
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| Spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus) Credit: Dave Brenner, Michigan Sea Grant College Program |