According to the Independent, fishermen have warned that the species -- commonly known as 'bloody red shrimp', or 'Hemimysis Anomala' -- is spreading rapidly through Lough Ree, in the midlands, and Lough Derg, which divides Tipperary from Clare.
The presence of the shrimp could change the ecosystem of the Shannon, its lakes and tributaries, however, its long-term effects on the river are not yet known, reports the Independent.
A young angler spotted the bloody red shrimp in Lough Ree, between Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon, three weeks ago and further investigations have found that the species is abundant.
An assessment is now being carried out on the tiny shrimp as they are expected to spread all over the River Shannon.
Eastern Shrimp Invading Irish Lakes
IRELAND - An eastern European species of shrimp is invading two of the country's largest lakes along the River Shannon, threatening native stocks and marine tourism.
