Species alerts
Killer shrimps - D. villosus and D. haemobaphes
This is a species alert issued as part of the GB rapid response protocol:
Dikerogammarus villosus and Dikerogammarus haemobaphes, sometimes known as 'killer shrimps', are invasive non-native species that have spread from the Ponto-Caspian Region of Eastern Europe. They are both voracious predators that kill a range of native species, including young fish, and can significantly alter ecosystems.
D. villosos was originally found in Great Britain in 2010, while D. haemobaphes was found more recently in 2012.
Good biosecurity is essential to help slow the spread of these species. You can learn more about biosecurity here: Check, Clean, Dry
Sightings of either species should be reported to: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk
Briefing notes with the latest information about these species are provided below, along with additional resources such as ID guides and risk assessments.
Combined Ponto-Caspian shrimps briefing notes:
- Combined distribution map showing locations of confirmed D. villosus and D. haemobaphes
- Ponto-Caspian shrimps briefing note October 2015
Dikerogammarus haemobaphes
Briefing notes:
Additional resources for D. haemobaphes:
Dikerogammarus villosus
Briefing notes:
- Dikerogammarus villosus briefing note 5 (uploaded 01-05-12)
- Dikerogammarus villosus briefing note 4
- Dikerogammarus villosus briefing note 3
- Dikerogammarus villosus briefing note 2
- Dikerogammarus villosus briefing note 1
The D. villosus Task Group oversees and coordinates the response to this species in Great Britain. It has produced a position statement which summarises the rationale behind the response and is intended to help all stakeholders understand what we are currently collectively aiming to achieve.
Additional resources for D. villosus:
- Freshwater Biological Association guide to invasive shrimps and isopods
- Cefas report into biosecurity treatments
- Factsheet
- Identfication sheet
- Wanted poster
- Video of Dikerogammarus villosus
- Rapid risk assessment
- Photos of Dikerogammarus villosus
[Image courtesy of the Environment Agency]