Irish boatowners and fishermen on inland waterways have been urged to remain alert to the prospect of so-called 'killer shrimp' invading Ireland's waters.

The dikerogammarus villosus shrimp - which has spread aggressively throughout Europe in the past decade and was discovered in England last year - could have "dire consequences" for the biodiversity of Ireland's rivers and lakes.

Kevin Flannery of Dingle Oceanworld told the Sunday Independent: "These invasive species are very aggressive and take over from the native species - and change the whole environment and ecosystem."

The killer shrimp is larger that its native cousin, making it a more deadly predator. It is known to attack insect larvae, baby fish and native shrimp.

"The shrimp will eat the primary source of food for the trout and salmon and other indigenous species which have been here for billions of years," said Flannery.

The killer shrimp has spread mainly by attaching to boat hulls at the larval stage, promping Flannery to urge all fishermen and boatowners to disinfect their vessels before using them in Irish waterways.

So-called 'killer shrimp' may be on the way to Ireland, experts have warned.

The dikerogammarus villosus shrimp - which has spread aggressively throughout Europe and was discovered in England last month - may have a devastating effect on local wildlife and Inland Waterways if it is introduced to Irish waters, according to conservationists.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency spokesman John Early asked anglers, boat owners and all water users to be "vigilant and protect our lakes and rivers from new introductions.

"The recent arrival of the killer shrimp in Britain has highlighted the need for water users to clean equipment and boats before moving to another water body."

The Belfast Telegraph described the killer shrimp as "a voracious predator, killing a range of native species, including freshwater invertebrates and even young fish."

But despite its dangerous reputation, the shrimp poses no risk to drinking water supplies.