Zebra mussels are filter feeders. These colonizations are also responsible for clogging intake structures in power stations and water treatment plants. RELATED: Zebra mussels | Where did they come from and why are they an issue? The lifespan of a zebra mussel is four to five years. Native to Russia, zebra mussels were introduced into the Great Lakes in 1985 or 1986, when ships discharged ballast water into Lake St. Clair. They arrived in the late 1980s in the ballast water of ships. Due to extensive trade between this region and Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries they were able to spread. Unlike native mussels, they can attach themselves to hard surfaces in the water. If you live in Manitoba, you are likely familiar with the annual advisories encouraging lake users to protect our bodies of water from invasive species, such as zebra mussels. Zebra mussels will attach to native mussels much like they do docks, and in large enough numbers can prevent the natives from moving, feeding, reproducing, or regulating water properly. Zebra mussels (Dreissena Polymorpha) are small, freshwater bi-valve mollusks (relatives to clams and oysters) that are triangular in shape with an obvious ridge between the side and bottom.The zebra mussel gets its name from the black (or dark brown) and white striped markings that appear on its shell. Zebra Mussels - Dreissena polymorpha Where did zebra mussels come from? Some native mussels have been found with more than 10,000 zebra mussels attached to them. Live … What are they? Zebra mussels are small freshwater mussels that are not native to Minnesota. The lake is infested with zebra mussels, which means there's a reproducing population in the water. Zebra mussels will attach to native mussels much like they do docks, and in large enough numbers can prevent the natives from moving, feeding, reproducing, or regulating water properly. A niche of a zebra mussel is where the zebra mussel occupies its "habitat". Grossinger reported it in Hungary in 1794. They can also spread via water currents. Zebra mussels are often unknowingly transported by boaters or other water users who don’t realize mussels or veligers have attached to their equipment. Where did they come from? This page will tell you everything you need to know about Zebra Mussels (and probably more than you want to know)! An adult female zebra mussel can produce at least one million eggs in a year, according to McGarrity. Judging from the shell size of those mussels, it was Consequently, they can easily spread anywhere that water currents, wildlife, or human activities take them. This means that they filter and eat algae and other particles from the water. Zebra mussels are believed to have come from the Caspian Sea in Europe. Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian Sea in Europe. Perhaps the most important is their ability to produce very large populations in a very short time. An adult female zebra mussel can produce 30,000 to 40,000 eggs in each reproductive cycle, and over 1 million each year. They can also spread via water currents. Zebra and quagga mussels are capable of heavily colonizing hard and soft surfaces, including, docks, boats, break walls and beaches. Moreover, what can you do about them? A niche of a zebra mussel is where the zebra mussel occupies its "habitat". Where did Zebra Mussels come from? Where did they come from? What are Zebra Mussels? Zebra and quagga mussels are freshwater bivalves native to the Black Sea region of Eurasia. Where did zebra mussels come from? The niche of a zebra mussel is in ballast waters. Where did they come from? Native to Russia, zebra mussels were introduced into the Great Lakes in 1985 or 1986, when ships discharged ballast water into Lake St. Clair. Zebra Mussels - Dreissena polymorpha Where did zebra mussels come from?