Invader of the invader: Tiny crustaceans found on red swamp crayfish
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - 14:00
in Biology & Nature
The invader of the invader has been discovered for the first time in Europe. The small ostracod Ankylocythere sinuosa measures no more than half a millimeter in length and lives on other crayfish. And, Spanish scientists have discovered it for the first time in Europe. The finding suggests that it arrived along with the invader crayfish Procambarus clarkii some 30 years ago but it is still unknown whether it can invade other crustacean species or whether it benefits or damages the expansion of the already established red swamp crayfish.