This species is found in low abundance in its native communities (Faasse and van Moorsel 2003). Its relative abundance and frequency of occurrence increased in the Ohio River from 2004 through 2006 (from 1.7-13.8%) and the Upper Mississippi River between 2004 and 2006 (0-11%) (Grigorovich et al. 2008). In a community studied in Germany, Apocorophium lacustre was the second-most dense arthropod, found in 14% of samples (Ysebaert et al. 2000).

In its native habitat (Rhine River), A. lacustre is found in lower littoral and sublittoral regions and on boulder (10-50 cm diameter) substrate (Faasse and van Moorsel 2003). In the Upper Mississippi River, A. lacustre was found associated with hard, stable substrates – rocks and snags; in the Ohio River, where cobble and boulder habitats were less available, it colonized primarily sand and snags. This species is epibenthic and typically associated with inorganic substrates, aquatic vegetation, or zebra mussel colonies (Grigorovich et al. 2008). With widespread dreissenid mussel colonies, benthic production is very high in the Great Lakes (Grigorovich et al. 2008).

Potential pathway(s) of introduction: Dispersal, Hitchhiking/Fouling, Transoceanic Shipping

Apocorophium lacustre already occurs in waters connecting to the Great Lakes (Upper Mississippi River near Joliet, Illinois and the Ohio River (United States Geological Survey 2013). Apocorophium lacustre could easily expand within the upper Mississippi River waterway via hull fouling associated with dreissenid mussel colonies (Grigorovich et al. 2008). Apocorophium lacustre is an abundant fouler (Llansó and Sillett 2009) and could easily be transported by recreational boaters and anglers from neighboring waters via fouling colonies. The strength of this recreational vector is unknown but is likely relatively infrequent and small. Apocorophium lacustre can be transported by ballast water (Power et al. 2006) and is able to survive large ranges of salinity (Wolf et al. 2009) making it capable of surviving to destinations within the Great Lakes.

Apocorophium lacustre is regarded as introduced in the Gulf of Mexico and the southern North Sea coast of Europe (Bousfield 1973, Grigorovich et al. 2008, Power et al. 2006). In North America, Apocorophium lacustre has been introduced into the Upper Mississippi River, Illinois River, and Ohio River (United States Geological Survey 2013). It has also been introduced to the River Werra in central Germany (Szöcs et al. 2014). This species’ range is rapidly expanding in the Upper Mississippi River system (Grigorovich et al. 2008).

Apocorophium lacustre inhabits the Upper Mississippi River, Illinois River, and Ohio River (United States Geological Survey 2013). These regions are very similar or identical to the Great Lakes region. Also, this species inhabits regions with a wide variety of abiotic factors, a range that includes those conditions found in the Great Lakes.

Apocorophium lacustre is pollution tolerant (Evans et al. 2004), survives wide ranges of DO (Llansó and Sillett 2009), is salt tolerant (Wolf et al. 2009), and inhabits freshwater environments (United States Geological Survey 2013). Apocorophium lacustre is already present in North American rivers where winter temperatures reach 1°C (Harmeson and Schnepper 1965) which suggest that it could survive the winter temperatures experienced in the Great Lakes. Apocorophium lacustre is a dietary generalist with a flexible diet (Llansó and Sillett 2009, Power et al. 2006) and could adjust its diet in the Great Lakes.

In other ranges where Apocorophium lacustre has been introduced, there are no existing control methods set to prevent the introduction or spread of Apocorophium lacustre. The tube-building habit of A. lacustre is unique but its effect is likely to be non-specific. This behavior may protect A. lacustre from predation by other species thereby facilitating its survival and establishment in novel habitats (Armsby and Tish 2006, Grigorovich et al. 2008).

Summary of species impacts derived from literature review. Click on an icon to find out more...

Environmental

A. lacustre will compete with native mussels for food and habitat space and have been known to overwhelm populations (USACE 2013).  IT has also been found to alter food webs and decrease faunal diversity in areas of non-native establishment.  This species may have contributed to a decline in Gammarus pseudolimnaeus (Grigorovich et al. 2008).  

There is little or no evidence to support that Apocorophium lacustre has the potential for significant socio-economic impacts of introduced to the Great Lakes.

It has not been reported that Apocorophium lacustre 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 areas it inhabits.

There is little or no evidence to support that Apocorophium lacustre has the potential for significant beneficial impacts of introduced to the Great Lakes.

It has not been indicated that Apocorophium lacustre can be used for the control of other organisms or improving water quality. There is no evidence to suggest that this species is commercially, recreationally, or medically valuable. It does not have significant positive ecological impacts.

*Ballast water regulations applicable to this species are currently in place to prevent the introduction of nonindigenous species to the Great Lakes via shipping. See Title 33: Code of Federal Regulations, Part 151, Subparts C and D (33 CFR 151 C) for the most recent federal ballast water regulations applying to the Great Lakes and Hudson River.