species information
Zebra and Quagga Mussels
Zebra and quagga mussels have the potential to harm aquatic ecosystems and impact municipal and agricultural water systems.
Both species are filter feeders that consume plankton and algae in the water. Each individual is capable of filtering over one liter of water per day.
These species also become troublesome for recreational users and water users when they attach to the insides of engine cooling systems and water intake structures and restrict the movement of water. The shells of both species are extremely sharp which could potentially limit the use of swimming beaches.
In some areas of the country these species have been found in densities of over 700,000 individuals per square meter.
In 2014 evidence of quagga mussels was found in Angostura Reservoir and a single adult Zebra mussel was discovered in Lewis and Clark Lake.
Conservation Digest Article
Images
Looking for images of these bad little guys? You can find them all in the Media Gallery of the site.