species information
Zebra Mussels
Zebra mussels have the potential to harm aquatic ecosystems and impact municipal and agricultural water systems.
Zebra mussels are filter feeders that consume plankton and algae in the water. Each individual is capable of filtering over one liter of water per day.
Zebra mussels also become troublesome for recreational users and water users when they attach to the insides of engine cooling systems and water intake structures, restricting the movement of water. The shells are extremely sharp which could potentially limit the use of swimming beaches.
In some areas of the country, zebra mussels have been found in densities of over 700,000 individuals per square meter.
Zebra Mussel Confirmation Timeline
- 2014 - Lewis and Clark Lake
- 2015 - Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam
- 2015 - McCook Lake
- 2018 - Lake Yankton
- 2019 - Lakes Sharpe and Francis Case
- 2020 - Lake Cochrane, Kampeska, Pickerel, and Dahme Quarry
- 2021 - Lake Mitchell
- 2022 - Enemy Swim, Blue Dog, Clear Lake, South Rush, and Pactola Reservoir
- 2023 - James River/Sand Lake Refuge, Roy Lake, Big Sioux River, Big Stone Lake, Lake Oahe
Videos
How Fast Can Zebra Mussels Spread
Images
Looking for images of these bad little guys? You can find them all in the Media Gallery of the site.
