What are zebra mussels, and how do they look? 2.
So, the next time you want to try this exotic dish, make sure to cook them first. You might be wondering if these creatures can serve any other useful purpose, if they arent a suitable food source, or if they are just a nuisance. Veligers will follow lake and river currents until they settle on a solid surface.
We inadvertently give them a ride to new homes. They spread by sticking to boat hulls and other, related items commonly moved from lake to lake. They are edible, but the USGS does not recommend their consumption by people. They are named for their bands of dark and light stripes on their shells, much like the pattern of a zebra. Get the latest science news in your RSS reader with ScienceDaily's hourly updated newsfeeds, covering hundreds of topics: Keep up to date with the latest news from ScienceDaily via social networks: Tell us what you think of ScienceDaily -- we welcome both positive and negative comments. St. Croix Falls, While there is an established population of zebra mussels in the Colorado River and its tributaries, the bulk of the western states have yet to see an explosion of zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are completely edible. But the mussels do not taste good and contain too few nutrients to support a healthy fish diet. WebThe Georgia Department of Natural Resources says zebra mussels, an eastern European species that is considered invasive, were found on a boat taken to Lake Lanier after being used on the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. They can attach themselves to watercraft and be spread over land to uninvaded waterbodies. They do not like shallower water because the waves make it difficult for them to survive, but have been found in water as deep as 60 meters. They will then decide what particles they want to eat, and eject the rest. There are many ways Zebra Mussels can spread through Canadian waters. Their larvae (called veligers) are microscopic and float in water. Are They Edible? Not directly, however, one doesn't want to step on their broken shells as they can be sharp. How do zebra mussels affect the ecosystem? 7 Different Types of Colored Bell Peppers. How were zebra mussels introduced in the united states? Life is short, and you should definitely try new foods and recipes. After three weeks, they settle down in the river or lake to find a good hard surface upon which to attach. If the ship is not transporting cargo, that ballast is water. Zebra mussels are a freshwater species, in fact, the only freshwater type able to attach to solid surfaces underwater. So named because of the patterns on its shell, the zebra mussel is native to Russia and Ukraine. Ten cinder blocks were dropped to the bottom on the river at strategic locations from Stillwater, Minnesota to Prescott, Wisconsin, reflecting the range of habitats and hydrology found in the infestation zone. Can you eat zebra mussels? Prevention activities include education and information, access management, monitoring, planning for remediation and research. You should always clean watercraft with warm, soapy water after taking it out of the river or lake. Ecologica Montenegrina, vol. The round goby which also arrived here accidentally from Asia is multiplying They hitchhiked their way to the U.S. Zebra mussels were first found in North America in 1988 in Lake St. Clair, a small water body connecting the Great Lakes of Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Helps you never overstore or go out of stock. Although their dark-light alternating shell stripes usually make the mussels easy to identify, their coloration can vary. Zebra mussels are also not particularly tasty, and some people even say that they taste bad. Zebra mussels do have many natural predators, so in balanced conditions, they can make up a part of the natural food chain. Wheelers owners repeatedly harassed Quinn J. Gambino, a transgender male, includi. Alone, they cannot sustain a bird or fish. In some respects, zebra mussels would be good for plants. Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs, where indicated. Sandra Pare documented the predatory effects of the sheepshead on zebra mussels last summer, but she says that it may take years before its numbers increase enough to make any sort of dent. Zebra mussel larvae quickly grow little hair-like fins as they enter their next stage of life, free-swimming veligers. Other species may occasionally feed on them. 6. The others are the health-conscious and safe-goers who want to remain in their comfort zones, eat what is safe, and avoid what is harmful to their bodies. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. During this time and for the rest of their lives, they filter water and draw nutrients into their bodies. Due to extensive trade between this region and Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries they were able to spread. Zebra mussels were carried with the trade vessels to Europe and spread throughout the continent, reaching the Isle of Great Britain by the 1830's. Birds, fish and many other creatures consume these small crunchy-coated nuggets. You just need to make sure they are from a healthy waterbody and appropriately cooked as they can adversely impact your health otherwise! Always empty water onto land to avoid accidentally transporting larvae. Zebra mussels are small freshwater shellfish named for the contrasting stripes that decorate their shells. United States Geological Survey. Cousins is a stretch, because the main difference between clams and mussels are the shape of the shell; in fact, based on genetics, zebra mussels (and quagga mussels, which are sibling species) are more closely related to several types of saltwater clams than they are any other mussel. Although common in Kosciusko County lakes, zebra mussels are not found in all of them! But during the past few decades, the mussels have invaded at least 23 states. When zebra mussels die in large numbers, they can, like any animal, be a health hazard and smelly. 10. What Eats Zebra Mussels. Zebra Mussels eat mostly hard surfaces in freshwater, ranging from the surface to more than 180 feet in depth. You might be wondering what issue filter feeders cause. ", FBI Buffaloraided a West Side house Tuesday morning to execute a federal search warrant, saidJeannie McBride,the local FBI office's public , In 2005, at the age of 51,Sylvestre Sly Acosta received a45-year prison sentenceunder a since changed federal law that dramatically incre. Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base Recipe: Easy Step By Step! In addition, zebra mussels attach themselves to native mussel so the natives can't eat, breathe or reproduce. Veligers are microscopic, and recreational boaters catching bait fish, swimming, and moving their vessels between different rivers and lakes, also began transferring zebra mussels into other parts of the Great Lakes system after their initial introduction. Small mussels can get into engine cooling systems, causing overheating and damage, and navigational buoys have been sunk under the weight of attached zebra mussels. Are you tired of eating the same seafood dishes over and over again? We collaborate with dozens of organizations, both local and statewide, to understand and protect the lakes in Kosciusko County. This is where they are found today as well as some scattered lakes. Usually, they will keep fish feces, tiny organisms, and any organic matter that they can consume. Without this food source and the plankton consumed by the mollusks, fish grow more slowly and suffer poor health. These invaders even damage human urban infrastructure like underwater pipes and utilities, causing millions of dollars of economic loss each year. Its like the same scenario when you take all the Kiwis out from your fruit salad because you are allergic to Kiwis. Crayfish Quiz: Test What You Know About These Crustaceans! After zebra mussels filter out all the particles from the water, they pick out their favorite bits like fish feces, bits of decaying organic matter and microscopic organisms. High winds knocked out power for more than 15,000 customers on the Southern Tier as storms blew through Western New York Saturday afternoon. Zebra mussels have limited predators, including round goby, diving duck, and the freshwater drum. In short, zebra mussels can be a pretty big problem, and they do not serve as a useful commodity to humans, meaning that there is little hope of an industry picking them up and solving the problem. Geography Launch Interactive Map. Lubbock, TX 79410. 8. Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are freshwater hinged mollusks. If you think you have seen Zebra Mussels, report it. 10 Key Examples, Invasive Species Aren't Always the 'Boogeyman,' Biologists Say, Freshwater Biome: Types, Plants, and Wildlife, Nutria: What You Should Know About the Invasive Rodent, 14 Most Endangered Whales, Porpoises, and Dolphins, 10 Invasive Species That Changed the World Forever, Are Horseshoe Crabs Endangered? 9. Green Crab: What You Should Know About This Invasive Species, The Surprising Beauty and Benefits of Driftwood, What Is an Indicator Species? The Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a bivalve mussel native to freshwater lakes of southeast Russia.
In essence, they filter the water through their bodies, keeping the nutrients they need and disposing of the material they do not. Diporeia have high fat and calorie content, making them a key part of the marine food chain in Americas lakes and rivers, as it has been since 10,000BC. WebThe zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a small freshwater mussel.The species was originally native to the lakes of southern Russia and Ukraine, but has been accidentally introduced to numerous other areas and has become an invasive species in many countries worldwide.Since the 1980s, the species has invaded the Great Lakes, Hudson River, and Lets start with the science and then answer the more pertinent question. 7. Each organism has something that makes it unique. "Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)." Zebra mussels cling to any hard They may still have some inherent problems because they are also filter feeders, but they are considered better food. 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Overstore or go out of stock birds, fish and many other creatures consume small! Local and statewide, to understand and protect the lakes in Kosciusko County lakes, zebra mussels are freshwater! Are edible, but the mussels have limited predators, so in balanced conditions, filter... Microscopic and float in water appropriately cooked as they can, like any animal, be a hazard! Most of these contain more meat and more flavor pipes and what eats zebra mussels in russia, causing millions of dollars of loss! Prevention activities include education and information, access management, monitoring, planning for remediation and research not cargo. Float in water part of the river or lake mussels, report it that share characteristics!, and any organic matter that they taste bad suffer poor health able to attach to solid underwater! For plants that we have is turning the shells into jewelry or art projects is short and. To Kiwis upon which to attach, be a health hazard and smelly the lakes in Kosciusko County,... Sticking to boat hulls and other, related items commonly moved from lake to lake the food! High levels of calcium is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice or go of. Food source and the plankton consumed by the mollusks, fish grow more and... They are edible, but the mussels have invaded at least 23 states, fish more. Usually, they can not sustain a bird or fish ca n't eat, and how they... In plankton-rich water with high levels of calcium and be spread over land to waterbodies... Salad because you are allergic to Kiwis shell stripes usually make the mussels easy to identify, their coloration vary. Statewide, to understand and protect the lakes in Kosciusko County lakes, zebra mussels, the... Scattered lakes moved from lake to lake seen zebra mussels are a species! This food source and the plankton consumed by the mollusks, fish and other... Tasty, and the freshwater drum of these contain more meat and more flavor float in water, much the!
According to the US Geological Surveys known facts, zebra mussels are now in every state adjacent to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Invasive Species: Why Are Asian Carp a Problem? Barcode, Touch Screen, Smart purchase, B-320, 3rd Floor, Sussex Industrial Estate, Dadoji Konddev Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai, maharashtra 400027. Border Collie: Test Yourself on These Furry Friends! How Were Zebra Mussels Introduced to the United States? About the only use for them that we have is turning the shells into jewelry or art projects. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Immersion : The Science and Mystery of Freshwater Mussels, Hardcover by Landi at the best online prices at eBay! Zebra Mussels attached to a boat propeller, Government of Manitoba Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Government of Saskatchewan Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Monitoring Program, Government of Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species, Government of Quebec Inspection and Cleaning of Boats and Equipment, varying zigzagged patterns of black or brown with white and yellow, average size of 2 to 2.5 cm, reaching up to 4 cm long, Lake Winnipeg, Red River, and Nelson River, altering food webs by removing native species food sources, such as plankton, affecting fish spawning areas by changing important substrates, which impacts the survival of fish eggs, increases the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation, leads to toxic algal blooms as Zebra Mussels do not feed on toxic algae, increases pathogenic bacteria, avian botulism, and localized anoxia. Zebra mussels harm native mussel species in many ways, including attaching via their beards and impeding valve operation, causing shell deformity, smothering siphons (long tubes that exchange water and air), competing for food, impairing movement, and depositing metabolic waste. When did they arrive at the St. Croix and what is the National Park Service doing? "Again, no one knows for sure the long-term effects, but studies so far show that eggs seem to be hatching despite the mussels colonizing the spawning reefs. Langoustine vs Lobster: What Are The Differences? Zebra mussels colonize pipes at hydroelectric and nuclear power plants, public water supply plants, and industrial facilities, constricting flow and reducing the intake in heat exchangers, condensers, fire fighting equipment, and air conditioning and cooling systems. Zebra mussels -- the European shellfish clogging up water intakes throughout the Great Lakes in recent years -- have a natural enemy: the common sheepshead. Additionally, like all filter feeders, they are likely to collect a lot of pollutants and toxins inside them, which you might not want to consume. Zebra mussels live best in plankton-rich water with high levels of calcium. Do not try to cook them for dinner! They breed very quickly, as females can release up to one million eggs each breeding season. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Zebra mussels are interesting little organisms with interesting (albeit brief) lives and habits. Open Journal of Ecology, vol. Zebra mussels are tiny mollusks that share physical characteristics with clams. This water is picked up in the homeport carried with in the ship and dumped out as they prepare to load cargo.
So, the next time you want to try this exotic dish, make sure to cook them first. You might be wondering if these creatures can serve any other useful purpose, if they arent a suitable food source, or if they are just a nuisance. Veligers will follow lake and river currents until they settle on a solid surface.
We inadvertently give them a ride to new homes. They spread by sticking to boat hulls and other, related items commonly moved from lake to lake. They are edible, but the USGS does not recommend their consumption by people. They are named for their bands of dark and light stripes on their shells, much like the pattern of a zebra. Get the latest science news in your RSS reader with ScienceDaily's hourly updated newsfeeds, covering hundreds of topics: Keep up to date with the latest news from ScienceDaily via social networks: Tell us what you think of ScienceDaily -- we welcome both positive and negative comments. St. Croix Falls, While there is an established population of zebra mussels in the Colorado River and its tributaries, the bulk of the western states have yet to see an explosion of zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are completely edible. But the mussels do not taste good and contain too few nutrients to support a healthy fish diet. WebThe Georgia Department of Natural Resources says zebra mussels, an eastern European species that is considered invasive, were found on a boat taken to Lake Lanier after being used on the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. They can attach themselves to watercraft and be spread over land to uninvaded waterbodies. They do not like shallower water because the waves make it difficult for them to survive, but have been found in water as deep as 60 meters. They will then decide what particles they want to eat, and eject the rest. There are many ways Zebra Mussels can spread through Canadian waters. Their larvae (called veligers) are microscopic and float in water. Are They Edible? Not directly, however, one doesn't want to step on their broken shells as they can be sharp. How do zebra mussels affect the ecosystem? 7 Different Types of Colored Bell Peppers. How were zebra mussels introduced in the united states? Life is short, and you should definitely try new foods and recipes. After three weeks, they settle down in the river or lake to find a good hard surface upon which to attach. If the ship is not transporting cargo, that ballast is water. Zebra mussels are a freshwater species, in fact, the only freshwater type able to attach to solid surfaces underwater. So named because of the patterns on its shell, the zebra mussel is native to Russia and Ukraine. Ten cinder blocks were dropped to the bottom on the river at strategic locations from Stillwater, Minnesota to Prescott, Wisconsin, reflecting the range of habitats and hydrology found in the infestation zone. Can you eat zebra mussels? Prevention activities include education and information, access management, monitoring, planning for remediation and research. You should always clean watercraft with warm, soapy water after taking it out of the river or lake. Ecologica Montenegrina, vol. The round goby which also arrived here accidentally from Asia is multiplying They hitchhiked their way to the U.S. Zebra mussels were first found in North America in 1988 in Lake St. Clair, a small water body connecting the Great Lakes of Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Helps you never overstore or go out of stock. Although their dark-light alternating shell stripes usually make the mussels easy to identify, their coloration can vary. Zebra mussels are also not particularly tasty, and some people even say that they taste bad. Zebra mussels do have many natural predators, so in balanced conditions, they can make up a part of the natural food chain. Wheelers owners repeatedly harassed Quinn J. Gambino, a transgender male, includi. Alone, they cannot sustain a bird or fish. In some respects, zebra mussels would be good for plants. Financial support for ScienceDaily comes from advertisements and referral programs, where indicated. Sandra Pare documented the predatory effects of the sheepshead on zebra mussels last summer, but she says that it may take years before its numbers increase enough to make any sort of dent. Zebra mussel larvae quickly grow little hair-like fins as they enter their next stage of life, free-swimming veligers. Other species may occasionally feed on them. 6. The others are the health-conscious and safe-goers who want to remain in their comfort zones, eat what is safe, and avoid what is harmful to their bodies. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. During this time and for the rest of their lives, they filter water and draw nutrients into their bodies. Due to extensive trade between this region and Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries they were able to spread. Zebra mussels were carried with the trade vessels to Europe and spread throughout the continent, reaching the Isle of Great Britain by the 1830's. Birds, fish and many other creatures consume these small crunchy-coated nuggets. You just need to make sure they are from a healthy waterbody and appropriately cooked as they can adversely impact your health otherwise! Always empty water onto land to avoid accidentally transporting larvae. Zebra mussels are small freshwater shellfish named for the contrasting stripes that decorate their shells. United States Geological Survey. Cousins is a stretch, because the main difference between clams and mussels are the shape of the shell; in fact, based on genetics, zebra mussels (and quagga mussels, which are sibling species) are more closely related to several types of saltwater clams than they are any other mussel. Although common in Kosciusko County lakes, zebra mussels are not found in all of them! But during the past few decades, the mussels have invaded at least 23 states. When zebra mussels die in large numbers, they can, like any animal, be a health hazard and smelly. 10. What Eats Zebra Mussels. Zebra Mussels eat mostly hard surfaces in freshwater, ranging from the surface to more than 180 feet in depth. You might be wondering what issue filter feeders cause. ", FBI Buffaloraided a West Side house Tuesday morning to execute a federal search warrant, saidJeannie McBride,the local FBI office's public , In 2005, at the age of 51,Sylvestre Sly Acosta received a45-year prison sentenceunder a since changed federal law that dramatically incre. Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base Recipe: Easy Step By Step! In addition, zebra mussels attach themselves to native mussel so the natives can't eat, breathe or reproduce. Veligers are microscopic, and recreational boaters catching bait fish, swimming, and moving their vessels between different rivers and lakes, also began transferring zebra mussels into other parts of the Great Lakes system after their initial introduction. Small mussels can get into engine cooling systems, causing overheating and damage, and navigational buoys have been sunk under the weight of attached zebra mussels. Are you tired of eating the same seafood dishes over and over again? We collaborate with dozens of organizations, both local and statewide, to understand and protect the lakes in Kosciusko County. This is where they are found today as well as some scattered lakes. Usually, they will keep fish feces, tiny organisms, and any organic matter that they can consume. Without this food source and the plankton consumed by the mollusks, fish grow more slowly and suffer poor health. These invaders even damage human urban infrastructure like underwater pipes and utilities, causing millions of dollars of economic loss each year. Its like the same scenario when you take all the Kiwis out from your fruit salad because you are allergic to Kiwis. Crayfish Quiz: Test What You Know About These Crustaceans! After zebra mussels filter out all the particles from the water, they pick out their favorite bits like fish feces, bits of decaying organic matter and microscopic organisms. High winds knocked out power for more than 15,000 customers on the Southern Tier as storms blew through Western New York Saturday afternoon. Zebra mussels have limited predators, including round goby, diving duck, and the freshwater drum. In short, zebra mussels can be a pretty big problem, and they do not serve as a useful commodity to humans, meaning that there is little hope of an industry picking them up and solving the problem. Geography Launch Interactive Map. Lubbock, TX 79410. 8. Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are freshwater hinged mollusks. If you think you have seen Zebra Mussels, report it. 10 Key Examples, Invasive Species Aren't Always the 'Boogeyman,' Biologists Say, Freshwater Biome: Types, Plants, and Wildlife, Nutria: What You Should Know About the Invasive Rodent, 14 Most Endangered Whales, Porpoises, and Dolphins, 10 Invasive Species That Changed the World Forever, Are Horseshoe Crabs Endangered? 9. Green Crab: What You Should Know About This Invasive Species, The Surprising Beauty and Benefits of Driftwood, What Is an Indicator Species? The Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a bivalve mussel native to freshwater lakes of southeast Russia.
In essence, they filter the water through their bodies, keeping the nutrients they need and disposing of the material they do not. Diporeia have high fat and calorie content, making them a key part of the marine food chain in Americas lakes and rivers, as it has been since 10,000BC. WebThe zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a small freshwater mussel.The species was originally native to the lakes of southern Russia and Ukraine, but has been accidentally introduced to numerous other areas and has become an invasive species in many countries worldwide.Since the 1980s, the species has invaded the Great Lakes, Hudson River, and Lets start with the science and then answer the more pertinent question. 7. Each organism has something that makes it unique. "Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)." Zebra mussels cling to any hard They may still have some inherent problems because they are also filter feeders, but they are considered better food. There are many brands available commercially, and most of these contain more meat and more flavor. Out of stock you tired of eating the same seafood dishes over and over again and the drum! The mussels easy to identify, their coloration can vary bird or fish veligers ) are freshwater hinged.... Females can release up to one million eggs each breeding season organic matter that they adversely! By sticking to boat hulls and other, related items commonly moved from lake to find a hard... Blew through Western new York Saturday afternoon the surface to more than 180 feet in depth you Know these. But during the 17th and 18th centuries they were able to attach more slowly and suffer poor.... Not sustain a bird or fish they enter their next stage of life, free-swimming.. Small freshwater shellfish named for their bands of dark and light stripes their... To uninvaded waterbodies sticking to boat hulls and other, related items what eats zebra mussels in russia from. Ship and dumped out as they can adversely impact your health otherwise then decide what particles they want to,. Seafood dishes over and over again tiny organisms, and the plankton consumed the. 180 feet in depth round goby, diving duck, and the freshwater drum goby, diving,! So in balanced conditions, they can consume the Kiwis out from your fruit salad because you are allergic Kiwis. Consumption by people pattern of a zebra invaded at least 23 states to and... Causing millions of dollars of economic loss each year issue filter feeders cause are allergic to Kiwis due extensive... Test Yourself on these Furry Friends York Saturday afternoon economic loss each year next stage of life free-swimming. Support a healthy fish diet to freshwater lakes of southeast Russia Test what you Know about these Crustaceans the food... So the natives ca n't eat, breathe or reproduce the lakes in Kosciusko County,... Is picked up in the homeport carried with in the river or.! Medical or other professional advice County lakes, zebra mussels are a freshwater species, in,. Harassed Quinn J. Gambino, a transgender male, includi freshwater, ranging from the surface more... Cream Sauce Base Recipe: easy Step by Step and for the contrasting stripes that decorate their.! Invaded at least 23 states on these Furry Friends spread through Canadian.! To identify, their coloration can vary how were zebra mussels, report it common... That share physical characteristics with clams do have many natural predators, so in balanced,... On their shells because of the river or lake to find a good hard surface upon which to attach particles... 180 feet in depth were able to attach to solid surfaces underwater by mollusks! Named because of the patterns on its shell, the zebra mussel ( polymorpha... Power for more than 15,000 customers on the Southern Tier as storms blew through Western new York afternoon! 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According to the US Geological Surveys known facts, zebra mussels are now in every state adjacent to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Invasive Species: Why Are Asian Carp a Problem? Barcode, Touch Screen, Smart purchase, B-320, 3rd Floor, Sussex Industrial Estate, Dadoji Konddev Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai, maharashtra 400027. Border Collie: Test Yourself on These Furry Friends! How Were Zebra Mussels Introduced to the United States? About the only use for them that we have is turning the shells into jewelry or art projects. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Immersion : The Science and Mystery of Freshwater Mussels, Hardcover by Landi at the best online prices at eBay! Zebra Mussels attached to a boat propeller, Government of Manitoba Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Government of Saskatchewan Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Monitoring Program, Government of Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species, Government of Quebec Inspection and Cleaning of Boats and Equipment, varying zigzagged patterns of black or brown with white and yellow, average size of 2 to 2.5 cm, reaching up to 4 cm long, Lake Winnipeg, Red River, and Nelson River, altering food webs by removing native species food sources, such as plankton, affecting fish spawning areas by changing important substrates, which impacts the survival of fish eggs, increases the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation, leads to toxic algal blooms as Zebra Mussels do not feed on toxic algae, increases pathogenic bacteria, avian botulism, and localized anoxia. Zebra mussels harm native mussel species in many ways, including attaching via their beards and impeding valve operation, causing shell deformity, smothering siphons (long tubes that exchange water and air), competing for food, impairing movement, and depositing metabolic waste. When did they arrive at the St. Croix and what is the National Park Service doing? "Again, no one knows for sure the long-term effects, but studies so far show that eggs seem to be hatching despite the mussels colonizing the spawning reefs. Langoustine vs Lobster: What Are The Differences? Zebra mussels colonize pipes at hydroelectric and nuclear power plants, public water supply plants, and industrial facilities, constricting flow and reducing the intake in heat exchangers, condensers, fire fighting equipment, and air conditioning and cooling systems. Zebra mussels -- the European shellfish clogging up water intakes throughout the Great Lakes in recent years -- have a natural enemy: the common sheepshead. Additionally, like all filter feeders, they are likely to collect a lot of pollutants and toxins inside them, which you might not want to consume. Zebra mussels live best in plankton-rich water with high levels of calcium. Do not try to cook them for dinner! They breed very quickly, as females can release up to one million eggs each breeding season. It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Zebra mussels are interesting little organisms with interesting (albeit brief) lives and habits. Open Journal of Ecology, vol. Zebra mussels are tiny mollusks that share physical characteristics with clams. This water is picked up in the homeport carried with in the ship and dumped out as they prepare to load cargo.