Bythotrephes longimanus, more commonly referred to as the spiny water flea, shown signs of disrupting the crustacean communities of the Great Lakes. Although many studies have shown the negative effects that the spiny water flea can cause on its environment, scientists still debate over whether or not these findings can truly be attributed to this invasive creature. This is why further research into the impacts caused by the spiny water flea still needs to be conducted.

Barbiero et al. (2009) have already presented a good example of the type of research necessary for proving the negative effects of the spiny water flea. Barbiero et al. (2009) analyzed samples collected by thirteen different research cruises in 1986 in Lake Erie. The data obtained from these samples were then compared against samples that were more recently collected. By doing this, Barbiero et al. (2009) were able to produce estimates of the spiny water flea’s impact on the crustacean community over a significant period of time by comparing estimates of cladocera production with estimates of flea consumption.

Barbiero, R.P., Rockwell, D.C. 2008. Changes in the Crustacean Communities of the Central Basin of Lake Erie during the First Full Year of the Bythotrephes longimanus Invasion. Journal of Great Lakes Research 34:109-121.