Zebra Mussels

Zebra Mussels (ZM)

Where are ZM from and how did they get here?
ZM are native to the Caspian Sea in Europe. They came to North America as veligers through the ballast water of ships. Veligers are the larval form of ZM. They spread inland as veligers in recreational boats, and as adults stuck to equipment. Zebra mussels can remain out of water for up to two weeks.

Adult zebra mussel colony

A tiny, invisible to the naked eye, zebra mussel veliger

How do I identify ZM?
ZM are small, fingernail-sized animals. The are 1/4-1/2 inch long, and are D-shaped with alternating brown stripes.

How do ZM affect Wisconsin water bodies?
ZM reproduce rapidly, with each female zebra mussel producing up to 500,000 eggs per year. They create deep mats on any hard surface within a lake, including on docks, in pipes, and around native mussels (ultimately smothering and killing the native mussel).
ZM are voracious filter feeders. They filter tiny food particles out of the water, which reduces food availability for other lake critters.

A native mussel clamped shut by zebra mussels

Pipe clogged by zebra mussels

What can be done once ZM enter a water body?
The Minnesota DNR and partners have used pesticides to treat zebra mussels in several Minnesota lakes. Studies are still in progress to determine large-scale suitability of the pesticides.
Boaters and recreational lake uses are strongly encouraged to check their boats, trailers, docks, and other equipment before moving them away from lakes, and also to drain all water from boats before leaving the landings.