Rewicz, T.; Grabowski, M.; MacNeil, C.; Bącela-Spychalska, K. (2014). The profile of a ‘perfect' invader – the case of killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus. Aquatic Invasions. 9(3): 267-288.
Rewicz, T.; Grabowski, M.; MacNeil, C.; Bącela-Spychalska, K.
2014
The profile of a ‘perfect' invader – the case of killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus
Aquatic Invasions
9(3): 267-288
Publication
Available for editors
The ‘killer shrimp’, Dikerogammarus villosus, has been recognised as one of the 100 worst alien species in Europe, in terms of negative
impacts on the biodiversity and functioning of invaded ecosystems. During the last twenty years, this Ponto-Caspian amphipod crustacean
has rapidly spread throughout Europe’s freshwaters and its invasion and continued range expansion represents a major conservation
management problem. Although a great deal of research has focused on this almost ‘perfect’ invader as its damaging impacts, realised and
potential, have become evident, we now present the first comprehensive review of D. villosus taxonomy, morphology, distribution,
community impacts, parasites, life history, physiological tolerance and finally, possible eradication methods. We show the direct and indirect
ecosystem impacts of this invader can be profound, as it is a top predator, capable of engaging in a diverse array of other feeding modes. It
can quickly dominate resident macroinvertebrate communities in terms of numbers and biomass, with subsequent large-scale reductions in
local biodiversity and potentially altering energy cycling, such as leaf litter processing. This damaging European invader has the potential to
become a key invader on a global scale as it may be capable of reaching North American freshwaters, such as the Great Lakes. One positive
aspect of this invader’s spread and impact is increased interest in alien species research generally, from decision-makers, stakeholders and
the general public. This has resulted in greater financial support to study invasion mechanisms, preventative measures to stop invasion spread and ways to minimise damaging impacts. Our review provides a specific example, that studies identifying management strategies that
mitigate against a potential invader’s spread should be undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity in order to minimise potentially
irreversible ecosystem damage and biodiversity loss.
Europe
Ecology
Invasions, introduction of alien species
Systematics, Taxonomy
