Giant Cannibal Tiger Shrimp Are Taking Over U.S. Waters

There's a new kind of sea creature causing scares in American waters.

Scientists have discovered an invasive species of Asian Tiger Shrimp to be multiplying in alarming numbers.

Asian Tiger Shrimp were found to have increased in population 10 times from 2010 to 2011. These shrimp can grow up to 13 inches long and have been known to prey on young of their own kind.

“And they are probably even more prevalent than reports suggest, because the more fisherman and other locals become accustomed to seeing them, the less likely they are to report them,” said Pam Fuller, a USGS biologist.

Currently, the species of prawn has been found in waters from North Carolina to Texas. They are native to Asia and Australia and are not uncommon to human consumption.

“The Asian tiger shrimp represents yet another potential marine invader capable of altering fragile marine ecosystems,” NOAA marine ecologist James Morris said in a statement.

“Our efforts will include assessments of the biology and ecology of this non-native species and attempts to predict impacts to economically and ecologically important species of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.”

Watch out Red Lobster