Invasive Seaweeds and Hull Fouling Species

Mud Tube Amphipod

• Scientific Name

  Laticorophium baconi - Visit ITIS for full scientific classification. 

• Description

  

  Laticorophium baconi. Photo by Carrie Culver © 2008 Regents, University of California

   

  • Small "shrimp-like" marine invertebrate animal.
  • Body is narrow and up to 1/3 inch long.
  • Attaches to surfaces by building tiny mud tubes that it lives in. 
• Habitat

  • Occurs in marine intertidal areas.
  • Attach via mud tubes to a variety of surfaces including vessel hulls in marinas. 
• Invasion Pathways and Distribution

  • Spreads to new areas by attaching to vessel hulls.
  • Unknown origin.
  • Widespread throughout the Pacific ocean.
  • Also found near China, Australia, Mexico, and Tasmania. 
• Life History

  Unstudied.

• Impacts

  • These tube-dwelling amphipods are copper tolerant, and form dense aggregations on boat hulls.
  • The muddy tubes create a non-toxic foundation for less copper tolerant fouling species to attach and live.
  • This fouling growth roughens the hull’s surface, creating friction or “drag” that slows sailboats and increases fuel consumption for powerboats.
• References and Useful Links

  For references by category and links to other useful AIS sites see our LEARN MORE page.