The Case Of The Spiny Water Flea

Is there such a thing as a spiny water flea? And if so, is it as bothersome as a household flea is to a cat or dog? The spiny water flea some researchers have warned is indeed a destructive and invasive threat to Lake Champlain, as much as the common flea is to Fido or Fifi. Spiny fleas dine on small zooplankton, which happens to be 'bigger fish' food - hence, an invasion can be an environmental problem that spreads out on many levels. They can be transported in bilge water, bait buckets, anchor ropes, and fishing nets, which means that if not treated - a small infiltration can turn into a nasty invasion. Discovered in 1984 in Lake Huron, they spread to every great lake by 1987, to the point that they are now considered a permanent member of the Great Lakes eco system. As it is thought that freighters initially transported them by pumping water from their hold areas, now even small boats who dump water can help offset an invasion. Where there was once worry about chlorine, flouride and other such chemicals in our drinking water, now there's one more critter to be watchful of. Therefore a water cooler with a great filtration system might be a good idea to hatch right about now!