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  Asian Carp
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Select a species:
Crustaceans: Cercopagis pengoi | Rusty Crayfish | Spiny Water Flea
Fish: Asian Carp | Common Carp | Goby | Ruffe | Sea Lamprey | White Perch
Mollusks: Zebra Mussel
Plants: Curly-leaf Pondweed | Eurasian Watermilfoil | Flowering Rush | Purple Loosestrife
 
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Overview
Zebra Mussels Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are small, fingernail-sized mussels native to the Caspian Sea region of Asia. They are believed to have been transported to the Great Lakes via ballast water from a transoceanic vessel. The ballast water, taken on in a freshwater European port was subsequently discharged into Lake St. Clair, near Detroit, where the mussel was discovered in 1988. Since that time, they have spread rapidly to all of the Great Lakes and waterways in many states, as well as Ontario and Quebec.
 
Diving ducks and freshwater drum eat zebra mussels, but will not significantly control them.
 
Likely means of spread: Microscopic larvae may be carried in livewells or bilgewater. Adults can attach to boats or boating equipment that is in the water.

 
Photo Credit: Center for Great Lakes and Aquatic Sciences
 
References: A Field Guide to Aquatic Exotic Plants and Animals, University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program
Showing Our Mussel: The Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Report on Zebra Mussel Research and Outreach.

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Last Updated: June 18, 2009
Maintained by: Christine Manninen, manninen@glc.org
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