increases the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation.affecting fish spawning areas by changing important substrates, which impacts the survival of fish eggs.altering food webs by removing native species’ food sources, such as plankton.This affects the composition of other communities within the ecosystem by: Zebra Mussels can have significant negative impacts on freshwater habitats by out-competing native species for food. The combination of these factors mean that Zebra Mussels can colonize in densities over 700,000 individuals per m2 on surfaces such as: After the eggs are fertilized, larvae (called veligers) emerge and are free-swimming for up to a month. They breed very quickly, as females can release up to one million eggs each breeding season. Zebra Mussels are filter feeders that attach themselves to solid surfaces. Canadians are encouraged to check if the province they are in has recommended or legislated Clean, Drain, Dry methods. That’s why it’s important for water users to: Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and/or equipment when leaving an invaded waterbody. They can attach themselves to watercraft and be spread over land to uninvaded waterbodies. Most importantly, Zebra Mussels can survive out of water for up to 18 days in high humidity. This natural dispersal method means they can easily affect waterways connected to an invaded area. Veligers will follow lake and river currents until they settle on a solid surface. Their larvae (called veligers) are microscopic and float in water. There are many ways Zebra Mussels can spread through Canadian waters. Zebra Mussels are a freshwater species and will not survive in marine environments. Since then, they have spread through much of eastern Canada and the United States. Zebra Mussels entered the Great Lakes in the late 1980s through ballast water discharged from ships. Zebra Mussels are native to the Black and Caspian seas region in southeastern Europe. Lake Winnipeg, Red River, and Nelson RiverĪs of 2020, Manitoba is the western-most province in Canada known to have been invaded by Zebra Mussels.As of 2020 in North America, Zebra Mussels have been found in:

Zebra mussels are invasive to all of Canada. If you think you have seen Zebra Mussels, report it. The Zebra Mussel resembles the Quagga Mussel however, the Zebra Mussel is smaller, more square, and narrower while the Quagga Mussel has a rounded underside. average size of 2 to 2.5 cm, reaching up to 4 cm long.varying zigzagged patterns of black or brown with white and yellow.Zebra Mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha) are freshwater hinged mollusks.

Zebra mussels recipe