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Bloody Red Shrimp

Hemimysis anomala

Report it

If you think you have found an aquatic invasive species:

  1. do not return the species to the water
  2. take photos
  3. note:
    • the exact location (GPS coordinates)
    • the observation date
    • identifying features
  4. contact us to report it

Learn about the Bloody Red Shrimp, including their identifying features, distribution, habitat, spread, similar species, impacts and our response.

On this page

Bloody Red Shrimp (Photo credit: NOAA)

Bloody Red Shrimp (Photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Identifying features

If you think you have seen a Bloody Red Shrimp, report it.

Where is the species invasive

The Bloody Red Shrimp was first intentionally dispersed in Europe between the late 1940s and the 1980s to increase fish productivity. Its dispersion continued via ballast water of ocean-going vessels and ended up in the Great Lakes in 2006, except Lake Superior, as well as in the St. Lawrence River in 2008.

Distribution

The Bloody Red Shrimp is a small crustacean native to the coastal regions of the seas of central Europe.

Habitat

Although the Bloody Red Shrimp can tolerate brackish water, it lives mostly in fresh waters with weak or moderate currents. It is often found near docks, ships, and maritime structures, finding refuge in bottoms strewn with rocks and shells. It moves in swarms and can shift very quickly when disturbed. During the day, the Bloody Red Shrimp migrates in deep water to avoid light and rises to the surface at night to feed on insect larvae and plankton.

Similar species

The Bloody Red Shrimp resembles a native shrimp found in the Great Lakes, the Opossum Shrimp (Mysis diluviana). However, the tail of the Opossum Shrimp is forked. Using a magnifying glass helps to see this difference.

Opossum Shrimp

Opossum Shrimp

Photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

Impacts

Ecological impacts

The consequences of Bloody Red Shrimp in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence system are still unknown. The diet of the Bloody Red Shrimp and its ability to reproduce quickly could make this crustacean a significant threat to native species. Feeding mainly on zooplankton, this shrimp could cause a decrease in zooplankton abundance. Since many other fish species depend on zooplankton for food, it could contribute to an overall decrease in fish populations, negatively impacting an entire ecosystem's food web.

Socio-economics impacts

By causing a decrease in fish populations, the establishment of the Bloody Red Shrimp could have negative impacts on recreational, Indigenous and commercial fisheries.

Response

The Identification Booklet of Freshwater Invasive Species in Quebec from DFO is available to make the detection of the Bloody Red Shrimp easier.

There is currently no effective way to fight this tiny organism. Prevention remains the best way to prevent its spread. Eggs, juveniles or adults of this species may be found on equipment and boats that have been used in water bodies in which this AIS is present. The best way to protect water bodies from this invader is to properly clean, drain and dry boats and other equipment used in nautical activities and recreational fishing. Follow the clean-up steps described on the DFO Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention page. Always check and follow provincial regulations when planning to move water-based craft and equipment.

Bloody Red Shrimps

Bloody Red Shrimps (Photo credit: S. Pothoven, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory)

Tail of a Bloody Red Shrimp

Tail of a Bloody Red Shrimp (Photo credit: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bugwood.org)

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