Quagga Mussel (Dreissena bugensis)
Native range: The quagga mussel is native to, and was first described in, Ukraine. It is found in the Black, Azov, and Caspian Seas, like the zebra mussel.
Invasive range: The quagga mussel has been found in the Great Lakes region, as well as scattered locations throughout several states in the western United States. While it is not yet found in Connecticut, the damage caused by the zebra mussel in the state makes the possibility of the quagga mussel spreading into Connecticut quite concerning, and the quagga mussel must be highlighted as a potential threat.
Method of introduction: The quagga mussel is thought to have been initially introduced to the U.S. through ballast water. Its spread seems to be aided through its introduction to other water sources due to boats and fishing equipment.
Impacts: The quagga mussel seems to have similar impacts to the zebra mussel through its consumption of phytoplankton and other algae as well as its ability to clog water intake pipes and other aquatic equipment. Additionally, pollutants from the environment can build up to high levels in the mussel before being released, contributing heavily to issues with biomagnification and allowing these pollutants to be introduced to new areas as well.
Identification: Unlike the zebra mussel, quagga mussels have no flat side. They show variation in their shell colors and patterns, similarly to zebra mussels (see images below), but typically have rings on their shell.
Methods of control: Similar strategies to preventing the spread and impact of zebra mussels can be applied to the quagga mussel, as they are quite similar to each other and often have similar impacts on an ecosystem. Molluscides have been used, in addition to the less effective and more time consuming option of manual removal.
Invasive range: The quagga mussel has been found in the Great Lakes region, as well as scattered locations throughout several states in the western United States. While it is not yet found in Connecticut, the damage caused by the zebra mussel in the state makes the possibility of the quagga mussel spreading into Connecticut quite concerning, and the quagga mussel must be highlighted as a potential threat.
Method of introduction: The quagga mussel is thought to have been initially introduced to the U.S. through ballast water. Its spread seems to be aided through its introduction to other water sources due to boats and fishing equipment.
Impacts: The quagga mussel seems to have similar impacts to the zebra mussel through its consumption of phytoplankton and other algae as well as its ability to clog water intake pipes and other aquatic equipment. Additionally, pollutants from the environment can build up to high levels in the mussel before being released, contributing heavily to issues with biomagnification and allowing these pollutants to be introduced to new areas as well.
Identification: Unlike the zebra mussel, quagga mussels have no flat side. They show variation in their shell colors and patterns, similarly to zebra mussels (see images below), but typically have rings on their shell.
Methods of control: Similar strategies to preventing the spread and impact of zebra mussels can be applied to the quagga mussel, as they are quite similar to each other and often have similar impacts on an ecosystem. Molluscides have been used, in addition to the less effective and more time consuming option of manual removal.
Resources:
- Benson, A.J., Richerson, M.M., Maynard, E., Larson, J., Fusaro, A., Bogdanoff, A.K., and Neilson, M.E.. 2018 Oct 22. Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1897). U.S. Geological Survey: Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=95.
- Fofonoff, P.W., Ruiz, G.M., Steves, B., Simkanin, C., and Carlton, J.T.. 2018. Dreissena bugensis. National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. http://invasions.si.edu/nemesis/browseDB/SpeciesSummary.jsp?TSN=567514.
- Management and Control: Control Methods. Invasive Mussel Collaborative. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. https://invasivemusselcollaborative.net/management-control/control-methods/.
- Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Quagga Mussel Images. U.S. Geological Survey. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/quagga_gallery.aspx.
- Quagga Mussel. U.S. Department of Agriculture. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/quagga-mussel.
Images Courtesy of:
1. Mike Quigley, NOAA. Accessed from: Benson, A.J., Richerson, M.M., Maynard, E., Larson, J., Fusaro, A., Bogdanoff, A.K., and Neilson, M.E.. 2018 Oct 22. Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1897). U.S. Geological Survey: Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=95.
2. Myriah Richerson, U.S. Geological Survey. Accessed from: Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Quagga Mussel Images. U.S. Geological Survey. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/quagga_gallery.aspx.
1. Mike Quigley, NOAA. Accessed from: Benson, A.J., Richerson, M.M., Maynard, E., Larson, J., Fusaro, A., Bogdanoff, A.K., and Neilson, M.E.. 2018 Oct 22. Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1897). U.S. Geological Survey: Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=95.
2. Myriah Richerson, U.S. Geological Survey. Accessed from: Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Quagga Mussel Images. U.S. Geological Survey. [accessed 2019 Mar 24]. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/quagga_gallery.aspx.