Zebra (Dreissena polymorpha)
and Quagga Mussels
 
Where did they come from?
- Originated in the Black and Caspian Sea in Europe.
- They made their way to the United States in 1988 into the Great Lakes from incoming ships.
Where can they be found in South Dakota?
- They have been discovered in the Missouri River below Ft. Randall and Gavin’s Point Dams.
What do they look like?
- Zebra Mussels are usually less than one inch long, and have a D shaped shell.
- They vary from solid light brown, dark brown, and striped.
Why are Zebra Mussels a problem?
- They can reach high densities causing problems for water intakes, docks, boat motors, and infrastructure.
- They filter vast quantities of water for microscopic organism, potentially altering the entire food web within a
water body.
- Zebra Mussels cannot be controlled once they establish themselves in a body of water, but you can prevent them from
spreading to other bodies of water.
How are Zebra Mussels spread?
- Zebra Mussels are most commonly spread by human transport by recreational equipment.
- Just because you can’t see the Zebra Mussels doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Zebra Mussel larvae can only be
identified with the use of a microscope.
Check out
Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention on ways to prevent
the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species
Zebra Mussel links
Link to Protect You
Waters info on Zebra Mussels
USGS Fact sheet on Zebra Mussels
Pictures of Zebra Mussels
United States Zebra Mussel
Distribution Map
South Dakota Zebra Mussel Distribution Map
Click here to
report Zebra and Quagga Mussels
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Related Links
ANS Management in North America
What is
an Aquatic Nuisance Species?
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Prevention
SD ANS Watch List "The Terrible Ten"
SD Noxious Weed List
SD Invasive Species Laws and
Regulations
SD Cooperative Boat Wash
Program
SD Infested Waters List
South Dakota ANS
Management Plan
Report a New Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic Nuisance Home
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