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Zebra mussels have become an invasive species in North America, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. They disrupt the ecosystems by monotypic colonization , and damage harbors and waterways, ships and boats, and water-treatment and power plants.
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are small, freshwater, bivalve shellfish that were likely brought to the U.S. as stowaways in the ballast water of ships. They are native to the Caspian and Black Seas south of Russia and Ukraine, and have since become widespread in both Europe and the U.S.
Zebra mussels are an invasive, fingernail-sized mollusk that is native to fresh waters in Eurasia. Their name comes from the dark, zig-zagged stripes on each shell. Zebra mussels probably arrived in the Great Lakes in the 1980s via ballast water that was discharged by large ships from Europe.
Zebra mussels are regarded as one of the most destructive invasive species in North America. Learn more about the situation, rapid response efforts by federal and state agencies, and how to properly destroy the moss balls to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are one of the most catastrophic aquatic invasive species in North America. Native to Russia and Ukraine, these fingernail-size mollusks have spread around the world, often carried in ballast water—used to stabilize boats—as larvae, where they’ve caused billions of dollars of damage to fisheries, water ...
What makes zebra mussels such a successful invasive species? Learn about its unique characteristics, its environmental and economic impact, and more.
Zebra mussels, though small, have huge impacts on our lakes. Their presence may greatly reduce lakefront property values and their sharp shells cut swimmer’s feet. Ecologically, they filter enormous quantities of microscopic algae and alter energy flow through aquatic ecosystems—impacting fish populations and smothering and causing ...
Zebra mussels have been known to colonize on native mussel species in groups of up to 10,000 individuals, rendering the native mussel immobile and unable to survive. There is also an economic cost associated with mussel attachment to pipes and other underwater structures.
Zebra and quagga mussels can kill native freshwater mussels in two ways: (1) attachment to the shells of native species can kill them, and (2) these invasive species can outcompete native mussels and other filter feeding invertebrates for food.
Two species of dreissenid mussels, Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) and Dreissena rostriformis “bugensis” (quagga mussel), have become established in freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and rivers in the United States.