 |
||||
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
||||
      |
Great Lakes Waterlife Photo Gallery
|
Two species of Dreissenid mussels have invaded the Great
Lakes. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha - left image) are generally
darker than quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis - right image)
and have a more distinctive triangular shape with a flattened edge. A
zebra mussel placed on edge will tend to stay upright, whereas the quagga
mussel will roll over. These two species are capable of hybridizing to
produce intermediate forms.
Distinguishing
the two species - USGS FAQ
MI
Sea Grant - Profiles
Zebra
Mussel Information System - US Army Corps of Engineers
Dreissena polymorpha - zebra mussel |
|
|
Invasive species entered the Great Lakes in the mid-1980's from the Caspian Sea via ballast water. Filter feeder. Causes biofouling. Size to ~ 1 inch. Adults are male and female - not hermaphroditic. Larvae are planktonic until they reach a settling stage at ~ 1-3mm when they begin to look more like adults. |
|
Other drawings/artwork: Other photos: |
Dreissena rostriformis bugensis - quagga mussel |
|
|
Invasive species native to Europe. Probably entered the Great Lakes in the early 1990's. Prefers deeper waters than the zebra mussel. Adults are male and female - not hermaphroditic. Larvae are planktonic until they reach a settling stage at ~ 1-3mm when they begin to look more like adults. |
|
Other photos: |
Indicates
a link to a non-GLERL NOAA website.
Indicates
a link to a non-NOAA website or content not generated by NOAA. NOAA is
not responsible for the accuracy of content. Please check Privacy and
Use Policies of the destination site.
USE NOTICE
NOAA | DOC | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Accessibility Statement |