Nonindigenous Occurrences: Cyclops kolensis is an active migrant from the northern water-bodies of Russia to the Volga reservoirs and over the course of 50 years has spread up to its delta (Rivier 1996).

This species has a shifting diet, consuming mainly algae (cryptophytes in winter and diatoms/green algae in summer) at smaller sizes and becoming omnivorous at juvenile and adult stages (Adrian and Frost 1992; Santer and Lampert 1995; Tõnno et al. 2016). In its later life stages,it feeds mainly on Epischura larvae (Wickham 1995; Mazepova 1998). Its feeding behavior is highly selective, and it prefers small prey (Adrian 1991; Wickham 1995). It also feeds on calanoid copepods, ciliates, and cladocerans (Wickham 1995), including the rotifers Gastropus stylifer and Keratella cochlearis, both native species in the Great Lakes (Meyer et al. 2017). Cyclops kolensis appears in early spring; thus it is an important food source for fishes when other crustaceans have not appeared (Rivier 1996; Khalko et al. 2019). Cyclops kolensis is univoltine, but can produce multiple clutches per year from one mating attempt ranging from 5 to 40 eggs per clutch (Jamieson and Santer 2003). It reproduces at a rapid rate during the spring between March and June, and stops when the temperature rises to 12-15°C (Rivier 1996). Studies show that Cyclops kolensis has the capacity for dispersal and can also produce resting eggs (Frisch 2002). It actively migrates from the northern water bodies of Russia to the Volga reservoirs (Rivier 1996).

Potential pathway(s) of introduction: Transoceanic shipping (ballast water)

Cyclops kolensis does not currently occur near waters connected to the Great Lakes basin. Aquarists sell Cyclops copepods as frozen fish food, but it is unlikely that this particular species, Cyclops kolensis, is sold. Cyclops kolensis produces resting eggs that may be carried in ballast water or sediment and may survive overseas transport (Grigorovich et al. 2003; Wonham et al. 2005; U.S. EPA 2008). It also can enter an active diapause to reduce energy consumption during poor food conditions and to avoid predation. This dispose phase can occur in anoxic sediments similar to that in ballast tanks (Santer and Lampert 1995; Krylov et al. 1996). They produce a large number of eggs (0.8 million eggs/m2) that float at the surface of the water and sink slowly when disturbed (Rivier 1996). This species occurs in ports that have direct trade connections with the Great Lakes (NBIC 2009). It inhabits areas from southern Sweden through Poland, and from Germany to Lake Baikal (Reed 1968). Resting stages may survive transport under harsh conditions such as in ballast tanks and ballast sediment (Wonham et al. 2005).

Cyclops kolensis has a moderate probability of establishment if introduced to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: High).

Cyclops kolensis inhabits areas of similar latitudes to the Great Lakes; it occurs in southern Sweden through Poland, and Germany to Lake Baikal (Reed 1968). Due to the ability of this species to tolerate ice-covered waters, it is likely that it will be able to overwinter in the Great Lakes. Cyclops kolensis inhabits environments with similar anthropogenic stressors as the Great Lakes. This species thrives in eutrophic water bodies, so pollution in the Great Lakes may facilitate its establishment (Kozminski 1936). Further, in its life cycle it undergoes chromatin dilution which can be an adaptation tool for changing environmental conditions (Grishanin 2014). The abundance of its preferred prey, calanoid copepods, in the Great Lakes (including the natives Gastropus stylifer and Keratella cochlearis) may further facilitate Cyclops kolensis establishment (Wickham 1995; Meyer et al. 2017). Cyclops kolensis appears in early spring; thus it is an important food source for fishes when other crustaceans have not appeared (Rivier 1996; Khalko et al. 2019). However, the extent to which this predation will have an effect on potential populations of C. kolensis in the Great Lakes is unclear.

This species has superior exploitation competitive ability for commonly consumed algal prey in emerging low food niches. However, this advantage wanes with increasing food abundance (Scharfenberger et al. 2013). This species has been documented at relatively high densities (400 individuals/m2), at numbers greater than endemic copepods (Pislegina and Silow 2009). In Lake Baikal, it has been reported that Cyclops kolensis dominated zooplankton communities in some years, reaching 80-90% of the total zooplankton biomass (Mazepova 1998). Consequently, there was a decrease in the abundance of their preferred prey, Epischura. In summary, C. kolensis does possess some competitive prowess and may outcompete species in the Great Lakes region.

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

Environmental	Socioeconomic	Beneficial

This species has superior exploitation competitive ability for commonly consumed algal prey in emerging low food niches. However, this advantage wanes with increasing food abundance (Scharfenberger et al. 2013). It has been reported that Cyclops kolensis can dominate zooplankton communities. In Lake Baikal, it reached 80-90% of the total zooplankton biomass during a couple of years (Mazepova 1998). Cyclops kolensis has the potential to reduce the abundance of its prey. As a consequence of their population growth, Cyclops kolensis reduced the abundance of their preferred prey, Epischura. It is possible that Cyclops kolensis may compete with other organisms that feed on Epischura. This species has been documented at relatively high densities (400 individuals/m2), at numbers greater than endemic copepods (Pislegina and Silow 2009). It also feeds on calanoid copepods, ciliates, and cladocerans (Wickham 1995), including the rotifers Gastropus stylifer and Keratella cochlearis, both native species in the Great Lakes (Meyer et al. 2017). As a prey item, Cyclops kolensis has the potential to alter trophic dynamics by providing a source of food for the juvenile ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernua (which invaded the Great Lakes) (Rivier 1996).
Cyclops spp. is also an intermediate host for the tapeworm Diphyllobothrium, which infects fish such as salmon (Center for Disease Control 2013). It has not been reported that this particular species, Cyclops kolensis, is a host for this tapeworm.

There is little or no evidence to support that Cyclops kolensis has the potential for significant socio-economic impact if introduced to the Great Lakes.

Cyclops spp. is a vector of several parasites. Members of this genus are an intermediate host for Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm) which affects humans who drink water contaminated with infected water fleas. In dracunculiasis, or Guinea worm disease, female worms are liberated from the water fleas after digestion, and subsequently move through the person’s subcutaneous tissue, causing intense pain (World Health Organization 2013). It eventually emerges through the skin, usually at the feet, producing oedema, a blister that will become an ulcer. Guinea worm disease is accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. Cyclops spp. is also an intermediate host for the tapeworm Diphyllobothrium, which infects fish such as salmon (Center for Disease Control 2013). Humans can be infected by ingesting undercooked fish. It is not known if this particular species Cyclops kolensis is a vector for these diseases.

There is little or no evidence to support that Cyclops kolensis has the potential for significant beneficial impacts if introduced to the Great Lakes.

Cyclops kolensis appears in early spring; thus it is an important food source for fishes when other crustaceans have not appeared (Rivier 1996; Khalko et al. 2019). It has not been indicated that Cyclops kolensis 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.

*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.

Note: Check federal, state/provincial, 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 chemical control methods for this species.

Note: Check state/provincial and local regulations for the most up-to-date information regarding permits for control methods. Follow all label instructions.