Zebra and quagga mussels are freshwater bivalves native to the Black Sea region of Eurasia. Both species were believed to have been introduced in the late 1980’s by ballast water from transoceanic ships carrying veligers (larvae), juveniles or adult mussels.
Zebra and quagga mussels are capable of heavily colonizing hard and soft surfaces, including, docks, boats, break walls and beaches. These colonizations are also responsible for clogging intake structures in power stations and water treatment plants.
Range
Zebra mussels are found throughout all the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair and the Mississippi river watershed. Unlike the zebra mussel, quagga mussels are found to be limited to the southern Great Lakes; Lake Ontario, Michigan, Huron and Erie. They have also been found in the St. Lawrence River and north to Quebec city.
Impacts of Zebra and Quagga Mussels
- Zebra and quagga mussels filter water to the point where food sources such as plankton are removed, altering food webs. This also causes clearer water, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper, increasing growth of aquatic vegetation.
- Impact fish and wildlife by increasing toxic algal blooms.
- Large colonies affect spawning areas, potentially impacting the survival of fish eggs.
- Affect recreational activities by cutting swimmers feet as a result of their sharp shell.
How to Identify Zebra and Quagga Mussels
| Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)  
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Quagga Mussel (Dreissena bugensis) 
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What You Can Do
- Learn how to identify zebra and quagga mussels and how to prevent accidentally spreading these invasive species.
- Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment after each use. Remove all plants, animals and mud before moving to a new waterbody.
- Drain water from motor, live well, bilge and transom wells while on land.
- Rinse all recreational equipment with high pressure (>250 psi), hot water (50°C / 122°F) OR let it dry in the sun for at least 5 days.
- If you find zebra or quagga mussels or other invasive species in the wild, please contact the toll-free Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711, or report a sighting online.