Invasive species fact sheet: waterfleas

Invasive species fact sheet: waterfleas

Waterfleas are zooplankton aquatic crustaceans that have a jumpy or jerky mode of swimming. The Daphnia waterflea was introduced from the aquarium trade and fish stocking. They are native to Africa, Asia and Australia. Like invasive mussels, the Bythotrephes and Ceropagis were introduced into the Great Lakes from ships' ballast water coming from Eurasia. Unlike the fleas dogs are known to carry, waterfleas are very different. They do not live outside the water, and do not bite or harm people or pets.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Waterfleas

Bythotrephes longimanus (Spiny)

Ceropagis pengoi (Fishhook)

Invasive species

1 page

Fact Sheet

application/pdf

English

Colorado Parks and Wildlife