The Demon Shrimp is here!
Posted in:
eDNA, Invasive Species, Invertebrates, Ponds, Technology
Date posted: 1 August 2019
The Demon Shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes) is a freshwater gammarid crustacean native to the Ponto-Caspian region. However, the species is rapidly spreading throughout Western Europe and is now present within some UK waters. It is classed as a highly invasive species, due to its ability to rapidly reproduce, its tolerance for a wide range of water conditions, its effect on the native species and biodiversity of the rivers and lakes it is found in.
Early detection of this species is important in monitoring biodiversity and protecting native species and habitats. Working alongside researchers from the University of Derby, SureScreen Scientifics have developed a novel eDNA assay aimed at the detection of the Demon Shrimp. In this technical paper the detection of demon shrimp populations within the West-Midlands is confirmed, highlighting the spread of the species since it was first recorded in the UK in 2012.
SureScreen Scientifics offer eDNA detection for the demon shrimp.
The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) used at SureScreen Scientifics is an instrument that provides high-resolution images of samples up to a usable magnification of nominally 50,000 times, which is far greater than traditional optical microscopy. The SEM provides morphological information by displaying an image of the sample surface using the main detector known as the Secondary Electron Detector (SED). The SED provides a high resolution and high depth of field image of the sample and is therefore ideal for examination of samples with varying morphology such as the fracture faces of engineering components.
Reposted with the permission of SureScreen Scientifics.
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