'Demon shrimp' discovered in the UK

The shrimp Dikerogammarus haemobaphes is closely related to the killer shrimp’ found in Grafham water. It has been found on the RIver Severn at Tewkesbury and Bevere near Worcester as well as two canals in Worcestershire.

Shortly after the discovery was reported to the EA, populations were discovered on the Stafforshire and Worcestershire canal, the sites are spread over a distance of 38km.

The shrimps is known to be invasive in mainland Europe and the EA and Canal & Rivers Trust are urging all water users to help slow the spread of this invasive species by helping to publicize the Check, Clean, Dry’ campaign (see www​.non​na​tivespecies​.org/​c​h​e​c​k​c​l​e​andry.)

If you think you have seen an unusual shrimp (see picture below) , please email a photograph to alert_​nonnative@​ceh.​ac.​uk for identification.