Invasive zooplankton found near Red Cliff marina
Feb 25, 2019 01:34PM ● By Editor
By Kaitlyn Moffett of KJBR-TV - February 23, 2019
The Red Cliff Fisheries Department says an invasive type of crustacean zooplankton, called Diaphanosoma fluviatile, was discovered during sampling last June.
Officials say they aren’t sure of the ecosystem risk, because impact studies weren’t done when the species was found in Lake Erie and Lake Michigan.
The species is native to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
Click here to learn more about the species. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2648
Diaphanosoma fluviatile Hansen, 1899 Common name: a cladoceran
Identification: This cladoceran has an elongated body and rectangular head. Its swimming antennae do not reach the posterior margin. Antennal setae 4-8/0-1-4. The ventral margin of the valves lacks inflexion, and are armed with several setae and a row of 4–6 spinules between each two setae. One dorsal spine is present near the posterior margin of the valve. The postabdomen has a wide dorsal proximal prominence and three spines on base of claw. Claws are armed with a line of fine denticles (Elías-Gutiérrez et al., 2001). Care should be taken to distinguish this species from similar natives Diaphanosoma birgei and Diaphanosoma brachyurum.
Size: Length: females 0.78-0.92 mm, males 0.65-0.75 mm (Korovchinsky, 1992)
Native Range: South America, Central America, and the Caribbean
