LHPrism Status
Tier 3 - Established
Species Type
LHPRISM Notes
Dreissena polymorpha: Zebra mussel
Species Identification:
The zebra mussel shell is triangular with a sharply pointed shell hinge edge. It can grow to 5 cm, but most dont exceed 4 cm. The most obvious identifier is the prominent dark and light banding pattern on the shell. The mussel attaches itsel fto hard surfaces by byssal threads that emerge from between the valves through a byssal notch. Zebra mussels tend to attach themselves to hard surfaces along their flat edge, which is different from other similar species.
For more information about zebra mussel identification, please visit:
- Global Invasive Species Database
- USGS NAS (Nonindigenous Aquatic Species)
- Aquatic Nusiance Species (ANS) Task Force
For more information about zebra mussel best management practices, please visit:
Websites
