Fishhook Waterflea (Cercopagis pengoi)
Taxonomy: Animalia, Arthropoda, Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Cladocera, Cercopagididae, Cercopagis, C. pengoi
Description: Ranging from 1-3mm, these crustaceans are characterised by their 6-13mm long ‘tails’, predatory front limbs and distinctive domed heads. Their second pair of antennae are positioned behind their heads, giving the appearance of ‘wings’. At the base of their tails are three spiny structures.
Lifestyle: C. pengoi are found natively in the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea; they are also invasive to European waters as well. They are tolerant of a large range of water salinities, meaning that they can survive in saline and fresh water. C. pengoi are predatory, and feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton.
Photos from here, here, and here.
