Invasive demon shrimp detected in Kennet River tributary, threatening local ecosystems
Non-native species poses risks to native wildlife in Holy Brook
An invasive species known as the 'demon shrimp' has been spotted for the second time in Holy Brook, a tributary of the Kennet River, raising concerns among local environmentalists.
The 'demon shrimp', a non-native species, threatens native freshwater shrimp and other invertebrates by preying and competing for resources.
Furthermore, they carry parasites that can cause disease, consume fish eggs and fry, which disrupts the native food chain and damages fish stocks.
Unlike native counterparts, demon shrimp are less efficient at processing leaf litter, resulting in slowed recycling processes that degrade water and habitat quality.
Their survival abilities include lasting days out of water, increasing the risk of spreading from one river to another.
Watercourse users are urged to follow the Check Clean Dry protocol to prevent contributing to the spread of these shrimp.
Spotting two distinct cones on the invasive shrimp can help identify them as they are not found on native shrimp species.
This discovery reflects a broader issue in the South West, where invasive American signal crayfish have caused significant damage at Prior Park Landscape Garden in Bath.