It’s a tiny creature, only about 1/100th of an inch long. It’s a predator, feeding on algae and other microscopic organisms. It’s a bit like a tiny, transparent, predatory fish. It’s a bit of a nuisance, though, because it can outcompete native species for food and resources.
This can disrupt the food web and lead to imbalances in the lake ecosystem. Spiny waterfleas can also outcompete native fish for food and space, leading to a decline in native fish populations. Furthermore, they can alter the physical characteristics of the lakes, such as water clarity and oxygen levels, which can negatively impact the health of the native fish and other aquatic life.
