Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Spiny Water Flea

Bythotrephes longimanus

Description

Spiny Water Flea are a type of zooplankton that are approximately 1 to 1.5cm long with a long tail with barb-like spines.

Habitat

They are commonly found clumped together in lakes, rivers and streams. They have been confirmed in the Laurentian Great Lakes and in some inland lakes in Ontario and Minnesota including Lake of the Woods.

Impact

Spiny Water Fleas reproduce quickly and compete with native fish for food. They also foul fishing gear and drastically affect the native zoo plankton diversity.

Right: Fishing line clumped with Spiny waterfleas, looks like a gelatinous mass with black spots throughout. Â Photo credit: J. Gunderson, MN Sea Grant.

Below: Scale showing actual size of Spiny waterflea (bar represents 1 mm). Photo credit: J. Liebig, NOAA GLERL.

For more infomation or to report a sighting, call: 1-87-STOP-AIS-0 or 1(877)-867-2470

Sping Water Flea ISCM Fact Sheet

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Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Spiny Water Flea

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