Species alerts

Killer shrimps - D. villosus and D. haemobaphes

Killer shrimps - <em>D. villosus and D. haemobaphes</em>

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:


Dikerogammarus haemobaphes

Briefing notes:

Additional resources for D. haemobaphes:


Dikerogammarus villosus

Briefing notes:

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:


[Image courtesy of the Environment Agency]



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