Fishhook waterfleas(Cercopagis pengoi) are tiny crustaceans less than 1/2″ long with long, sharp, barbed tails. The fishhook waterflea has a slender spine and prominent S-shaped loop on the tail. Fishhook waterfleas collect in gelatinous globs on fishing equipment and lines.
Distribution:
NOTE: If you receive a "sign in" message, click cancel to continue. Confirmed observations of Fishhook waterflea submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. For more information, visit iMapInvasives
Habitat:
Fishhook waterfleas thrive in deep lakes but can also be found in shallow lakes and rivers.
Threats & Impacts:
Fishhook waterfleas are voracious predators of small zooplankton, like Daphnia, an important food for young native fishes. They reproduce rapidly and eggs are capable of lying dormant all winter, resisting drying and freezing. As a result of their sharp spines, smaller fish cannot readily consume them, adding to their explosive populations.
