Diporeia

Diporeia is a North American genus of freshwater amphipod that was formerly a dominant form of zooplankton in the Great Lakes. Their loss in numbers is believed to be due to the presence of invasive species.

Habitat

Diporeia are most common is areas of the Great Lakes with a water depth between and deep. They remain present throughout the Great Lakes, especially in Lake Superior.

Decline

The population of Diporeia began to fall rapidly in the 1990s, a decline which has continued. The species has seen major losses in all Great Lakes, with the exception of Lake Superior. The decline of the species, believed to be due to invasive species of mussels, has negatively impacted the fishing industry in the Great Lakes.