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The vast majority of the organisms that are natural enemies in Europe are not present in North America, so they tend to spread relatively unchecked.Because the edges of their shells are so sharp they can easily cut the feet of swimmers and waders in waters infested by them, resulting in the need to wear water shoes in infested waters.

  • In some areas they completely cover the substrate - even covering (and smothering) native fresh-water mussels; they are responsible for the near extinction of many native clams and mussel species in the Great Lake system
  • They eat the algae that is food for fish. Without food, fish starve.
  • Zebra mussels are believed to be the source of deadly avian botulism poisoning that has killed tens of thousands of birds in the Great Lakes since the late 1990s.
  • They damage harbors and waterways, ships and boats, and water treatment and power plants. Water treatment plants are most affected because the water intakes bring the microscopic free-swimming larvae directly into the facilities. Zebra mussels also cling to pipes under the water and clog them.
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Related Questions

How was the zebra mussels introduced?

the zebra mussel was introduced in 1988 in a lake in onario.


How do zebra mussels affect the biodiversity of the Great Lakes?

they invade the habitat of other organisms living there and they start to overtake the lakes which decreases the biodiversity in the great lakes.


The actions of zebra mussels and sea lamprey in the Great Lakes are examples of problems caused by?

Endangered Species


Which organism was introduced into the Great Lakes and has expanded its range to the Mississippi River?

zebra mussel


How did zebra mussels get into the finger lakes?

i dont know. i know that this doesn't help!


Do zebra mussels camouflage?

Zebra mussels have stripes.


Yes or no are zebra mussels really a danger to the Great Lakes?

Yes. They are a danger especially to the fish population since many fish species need sandy or muddy bottom soil to lay their eggs. The zebra mussel covering the lake bottom prevents nesting to these species of fish. The mussels have proliferated so much that they are actually clearing up the murkiness of the lakes.


What effect does potassium have on zebra mussels?

It will send zebra mussels into fatal shock


What some negative things about zebra mussel?

zebra mussel are a great nuisance to peopl. the can grow so densely that they block pipelines, clogging water intakes of municipal water supplies, and hydroelectric companies Zebra mussel had killed 10 thousand birds.


What family is a zebra mussel in?

Zebra mussels belong to the family Dreissenidae. These are freshwater bivalve mollusks. Despite their name, zebra mussels are not true mussels.


Why are zebra mussels located primarily in areas in the eastern US rather than in the western US?

It is generally agreed upon by scientists that zebra mussels entered the Great Lakes from ballast water dumping by large ocean-going vessels from Europe. Ballast water is used to keep ships stable in the water.


Where did zebra mussels come from originally?

Zebra mussels were originally native to the lakes southeast of Russia.