Lake Constance invaders

Killer shrimps and quaggas are unstoppable

A recent study on neozoa commissioned by the IGBK has already identified more than 20 invertebrate species that have newly established themselves in Lake Constance. In particular, a voracious and aggressive amphipod and the notorious quagga mussel are causing headaches for researchers. 

Leeches from the Caspian Sea, isopods from the Mediterranean, mussels from Asia and crabs from China - the list of exotic animal species that have now colonized Lake Constance is long. According to a recent study commissioned by the International Commission for the Protection of Lake Constance (IGKB), more than 20 neozoic invertebrate species have become established in the lake, 14 of them since the start of regular surveys in 2002. It is often impossible to determine exactly when and how the species entered the Swabian Sea, but in most cases the spread is probably due to human influences.