Most Unwanted: Fishhook waterflea
Cercopagis pengoi
Habitat: Freshwater
Threat: Threatens native ecosystems and species
Status: Potential
Cercopagis pengoi is a crustacean native to South Eastern Europe. This species has become invasive in the Great Lakes in North America and in Eastern and Northern Europe. Cercopagis is usually encountered by anglers and fishermen. This species has a long spiny tail which can become entrapped on fishing gear leading to extensive fouling and clogging.
This species has been nominated as among 100 of the "World's Worst" invaders
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 (http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=118&fr=1&sts=sss).
Impact
Occurring in estuaries, lakes, water courses, and wetlands. 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.
Where is it from?
Caspian, Black and Azov seas and small coastal lakes in this area
Where is it now?
Considered invasive in Eastern Europe, Baltic Sea, Laurentian Great Lakes and Finger Lakes.
How can it get here?
The only described vector for this species is ships ballast water.
What you can do
Look out for the characteristic clogging of fishing gear that this species can produce
Report all sightings.
This species has been nominated as among 100 of the "World's Worst" Invaders
Sources of information
http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/exotics/fishhook.html
http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=118&fr=1&sts=ss
