Diaphanosoma fluviatile
Hansen, 1899
Common Name:
A cladoceran
Synonyms and Other Names:
Identification:
This cladoceran has an elongated body and rectangular head. Its swimming antennae do not reach the posterior margin. Antennal setae 4-8/0-1-4. The ventral margin of the valves lacks inflexion, and are armed with several setae and a row of 4–6 spinules between each two setae. One dorsal spine is present near the posterior margin of the valve. The postabdomen has a wide dorsal proximal prominence and three spines on base of claw. Claws are armed with a line of fine denticles (Elías-Gutiérrez et al., 2001). Care should be taken to distinguish this species from similar natives Diaphanosoma birgei and Diaphanosoma brachyurum.
Size:
Length: females 0.78-0.92 mm, males 0.65-0.75 mm (Korovchinsky, 1992)
Native Range:
South America, Central America, and the Caribbean
Great Lakes Nonindigenous Occurrences:
Reported from Florida, Louisiana, and central Texas. Collected August and September 2015 in western Lake Erie, and reported in Lake Michigan in December 2018. Common in Minnesota waters of the Mississippi River (Personal Communications Hudson 2019).
Table 1. Great Lakes region nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state/province, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Diaphanosoma fluviatile are found here.
Full list of USGS occurrences
Table last updated 5/1/2024
† Populations may not be currently present.
Ecology:
This species is parthenogenetic, with offspring developing from unfertilized eggs (López et al. 2008). Diaphanosoma fluviatile feeds predominantly on tiny particles (bacteria and detritus) and algal food consisting mainly of green algae (Oocystis), and likely consumes nanoplanktonic algae as well (Cisneros et al. 1991b). Diaphanosoma fluviatile tended to be present in higher numeric proportions during the peak of the rainy season (June-September) in its native habitat (Cisneros et al. 1991a). Fernandes et al. (2012) report the “time to hatchling” of D. fluviatile as 6 days. This may be a riverine species which is only occassionally flushed into the open waters of the Great Lakes (Personal Communications Hudson 2019).
Means of Introduction:
This species most likely arrived in the Great Lakes from the southern US populations as a hitchhiker with recreational boats, gear, bait or ornamentals. Ballast water is also a major vector of other species of North American Diaphanosoma (birgei and brachyurum) (Gray et al., 2007) which are in the same size range as D. fluviatile (Balcer et al., 1984).
Status:
Established in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, as well as the Great Lakes region (Lake Erie and Lake Michigan).
Great Lakes Impacts:
Summary of species impacts derived from literature review. Click on an icon to find out more...
The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made. Current research on the environmental impact of Diaphanosoma fluviatile in the Great Lakes is inadequate to support proper assessment.
There is insufficient information available to determine whether D. fluviatile poses as threat to other species or water quality. There are no reports on how it affects or interacts with other species. It is unknown whether this species alters the physical components of the ecosystem.
Current research on the socio-economic impact of Diaphanosoma fluviatile in the Great Lakes is inadequate to support proper assessment.
It has not been reported that D. fluviatile poses a threat to human health or water quality. There is no evidence that this species negatively impacts infrastructure, economic sectors, recreational activities and associated tourism, or the aesthetic appeal of the area it inhabits.
Current research on the beneficial impact of Diaphanosoma fluviatile in the Great Lakes is inadequate to support proper assessment.
It has not been reported that D. fluviatile can be used for the control of other organisms or improving water quality. There is no evidence that this species is commercially, recreationally, or medically valuable. It does not have a significant positive ecological impact.
Management:
No species-specific conservation or management measures are in place for D. fluviatile, and it is not mentioned in any international legislation or trade regulations.
Regulations There are no known regulations for this species.
Note: Check federal, state, and local regulations for the most up-to-date information.
Control
Biological
There are no known biological control methods for this species.
Physical
There are no known physical control methods for this species.
Chemical
There are no known chemical control methods for this species.
Note: Check state and local regulations for the most up-to-date information regarding permits for pesticide/herbicide/piscicide/insecticide use.
Remarks:
Diaphanosoma fluviatile has been found in The Maumee River and two locations in western Lake Erie in 2015 samples. EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office and Cornell University recently confirmed the presence of Diaphanosoma fluviatile during routine zooplankton monitoring in the open waters of Lake Erie as part of the GLNPO Long-term Biology Monitoring Program. On May 30, 2018, Cornell University researchers and Dr. Kay VanDamme of Senckenberg Research Institute identified two adult Diaphanosoma fluviatile among other zooplankton in a sample collected in September 2015 from the Maumee River in the western basin of Lake Erie. The Maumee River samples were taken for the purposes of developing a method for detecting exotic and/or rare zooplankton species. On June 25, 2018, Cornell University researchers identified eight adult female Diaphanosoma fluviatile collected in August 2015 from GLNPO monitoring stations in the western basin of Lake Erie. Out of 50 individuals removed for ID out of the Maumee River, all were D. fluviatile. The initial 2 Maumee River D. fluviatile specimens were confirmed by a recognized cladoceran expert (Dr. Kay VanDamme of Senckenberg Research Institute). The finding of a large population in the Maumee River and two small populations in Western Lake Erie confirm that this is an established reproducing population. Ongoing analyses of samples collected in summer 2015 from other stations in the western basin of Lake Erie are being conducted (US Fish and Wildlife, 2018).
References
(click for full reference list)
Author:
Lower, E., Daniel, W.M.
Contributing Agencies:
Revision Date:
9/12/2019
Peer Review Date:
9/6/2019
Citation for this information:
Lower, E., Daniel, W.M., 2024, Diaphanosoma fluviatile Hansen, 1899: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, and NOAA Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System, Ann Arbor, MI, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatLakes/FactSheet.aspx?Species_ID=2648&Potential=N&Type=0&HUCNumber=DGreatLakes, Revision Date: 9/12/2019, Peer Review Date: 9/6/2019, Access Date: 5/2/2024
This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.