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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Crustaceans (Crustacea) » Branchiopods (Branchiopoda) » Diplostraca » Water Fleas (Cladocera) » Onychopods (Onychopoda) » Cercopagididae » Bythotrephes » Spiny Water Flea  (Bythotrephes longimanus)
Photo#689665
Spiny Water Flea - Bythotrephes longimanus - male - female
Copyright © 2012 Tleilaxu

Spiny Water Flea - Bythotrephes longimanus - Male Female
Silver Bay, Lake/Cook County, Minnesota, USA
August 11, 2012
Spiny water fleas "caught" in Lake Superior. Any reason as to why they attached themselves to the fishing line?

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Spiny Water Flea - Bythotrephes longimanus - male - female Spiny Water Flea - Bythotrephes longimanus - male - female Spiny Water Flea - Bythotrephes longimanus - male - female
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Contributed by Tleilaxu on 13 August, 2012 - 7:10pm
Last updated 13 August, 2012 - 11:32pm

Moved
Moved from ID Request.
… Tleilaxu, 13 August, 2012 - 11:32pm login or register to post comments

I rarely say this, but SQUISH'EM!
They will attach to many objects like fishing line, mostly to escape predators. They may be mistaken as bryozoan or something else that is inedible. They are one of the many invasive species that threaten our lakes in North America. I found these, I would squish each and every one. I don't hate'em, but they are a real scourge. I do hope you cleaned your boat and tackle!
… Cassie Novak, 13 August, 2012 - 10:50pm login or register to post comments

 
yup
That was their fate, and the boat was checked as well.
… Tleilaxu, 13 August, 2012 - 11:26pm login or register to post comments

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