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Great Lakes Center, SAMC 319
SUNY Buffalo State
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Photo by Randy Westbrooks, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org
Zebra Mussel
COMMON NAME:
Zebra musselSCIENTIFIC NAME:
Dreissena polymorphaORIGIN:
EurasiaDESCRIPTION:
Zebra mussels are filter-feeding, freshwater, bivalve mollusks. Zebra mussels are small, ¼” to 1 ½” long, and D-shaped with light and dark brown stripes.HABITAT:
Zebra mussels inhabit freshwater habitats up to depths of 50 ft., attaching to most surfaces including sand, silt and harder substrates.THREAT:
Invasive mussels displace native species, attach to and cover many surfaces, have sharp shells, and are a nuisance to humans. Although they have some predators, they breed faster than they can be consumed. As filter-feeders, they remove particles from the water, affecting the clarity, content and ultimately the food chain of aquatic ecosystems.MANAGEMENT:
Once established, very little can be done apart from manual removal. In closed human systems such as water treatment plants, chemical, thermal, electrical and biological controls can be used. The best method is prevention by cleaning boats, bait buckets and gear.
WNY PRISM PRIORITY:
Tier 4 - Local Control
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
The zebra mussel is a prohibited species in New York State - for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html.
NYS Prohibited and Regulated Species - Part 575:
PATHWAYS OF INVASION:
Zebra mussels were introduced via ship ballast water.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION:
Widespread
MAP (via iMapInvasives):
This map shows confirmed observations (green points) submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. Absence of data does not necessarily mean absence of the species at that site, but that it has not been reported there. For more information, please visit iMapInvasives.