Killer shrimp in Severn

THE invasive Dikerogammarus villosus, commonly known as the killer shrimp, that was discovered in the Broads earlier this year has now been found in the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the Severn.

Such is the worry about the creature, that could decimate the native species, that the Environment Agency have established a team dedicated to containing its spread, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Threaten native species

If the shrimp became established and widespread, as other invasive species such as floating pennywort and Signal crayfish have, it could threaten populations of native species.

Although the shrimp only grows to a maximum of 1.2 inches it feeds on insect life including our native species such as damselfly nymphs, water boatmen and small fish. It has also been observed to replace our native shrimp.