Invasive Seaweeds and Hull Fouling Species

Laticorophium baconi - Visit ITIS for full scientific classification. 

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. 

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

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

Unstudied.

• 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.

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