Zebra mussels (Dreissena Polymorpha) are small, freshwater bi-valve mollusks (relatives to clams and oysters) that are triangular in shape with an obvious ridge between the side and bottom.The zebra mussel gets its name from the black (or dark brown) and white striped markings that appear on its shell. The zebra mussel, as is the case with most invasive species, is a superior competitor to the native species that occupy a similar ecological niche. Typically, this isn’t a problem for boats that are only in the water for short trips, but boats, docks or intake pipes that are left in the water for a long period of time can become encrusted and be very difficult to … Unlike native mussels, they can attach themselves to hard surfaces in the water. Zebra mussels contribute to biomagnification—the toxins that they filter out of the water are concentrated in their bodies, and passed on to their predators. They grow to only about 1 ½ inches and develop a distinctive zebra-striped shell. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are native to the Caspian Sea in Asia. A single mussel can suck a liter of water through its body daily. The impact invasive mussels have wrought on the lakes is well documented, but it's encouraging to remember that more than half of all Great Lakes water is essentially mussel-free. What are Zebra Mussels? The Strategy to Advance Management of Invasive Zebra and Quagga Mussels is intended to drive investments, policy, and research around invasive mussels across the Great Lakes region and beyond. Zebra and Quagga Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha & begensis) are two of Ontario's most unwanted invasive species.Both Zebra and quagga mussels are native to the Black Sea in Eurasia and were introduced to Ontario in the late 1980s via ship ballast. Zebra Mussels are an invasive species that have inhabited Wiscsonsin waters and are displacing native species, disrupting ecosystems, and affecting citizens' livelihoods and quality of life. Adults range from 1/4 to 1-1/2 inches long and have yellow and brown striped shells. Zebra mussels: a dangerous invader We need your help! Within 10 years, these mussels colonized the river basins of … Zebra mussels probably arrived in the Great Lakes in the 1980s via ballast water that was discharged by large ships from Europe. The dreaded zebra mussel — an invasive species — is killing off native species in lakes and rivers all over the country. The dreaded zebra mussel — an invasive species — is killing off native species in lakes and rivers all over the country. Zebra mussels are armed with rootlike threads of protein, called “byssal threads,” that allow them to firmly attach themselves to hard surfaces such as rocks, native mussels, docks or boats. Even if none are visible, cleanse the … The zebra mussel, as is the case with most invasive species, is a superior competitor to the native species that occupy a similar ecological niche. Zebra mussels are voracious filter feeders. The Invasive Mussel Collaborative announced today that it has released a new strategy to reduce invasive mussels and their negative impacts. Zebra mussels are a small, destructive invasive species that can spread across Texas by hitching a ride on boats and trailers. Shell is more rounded (fan shaped with pointed edges at either side) on the hinge edge than zebra mussel shells. Zebra and Quagga Mussels. The primary way zebra mussels spread to new areas is by hitching a ride on a trailered boat, said Curtis Tackett, aquatic nuisance species biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Since zebra mussels are an invasive species, there are no predators that eat them in North American fresh bodies of water, according to Farooqi. Tiny zebra mussels cause big problems when they damage boats and pipes and decrease populations of other aquatic creatures. The zebra mussel was first described from the lakes of southeast Russia and its natural distribution also includes the Black and Caspian Seas. Why … They can be up to 8/10 inch wide and more than 2 inches in length. The zebra mussel larvae can be inadvertently transported in live wells, in bilges, within the engine cooling systems, and in bait and collection buckets as well. One zebra mussel can produce up to one million microscopic larvae. The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a small, non-native mussel originally found in Russia. They entered the Great Lakes Region via ballast water of a transatlantic vessel in the late 1980s. Both mussel species are small and typically grow to the size of a fingernail. In 1988, this animal was transported to North America in the ballast water of a transatlantic freighter and colonized parts of Lake St. Clair. Always examine a boat for adult zebra mussels immediately after exiting a body of water. Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Zebra Mussels are an invasive species that have inhabited Wiscsonsin waters and are displacing native species, disrupting ecosystems, and affecting citizens' livelihoods and quality of life.