Quagga mussels
Introduction
The Quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Dreissenidae. This species is native to Eastern Europe and has become an invasive species in several countries since the late 20th century.
Taxonomy and Naming
The Quagga mussel was first described by the Russian zoologist Andrey Grigorievich Bourguignat in 1887. The species name, Dreissena rostriformis bugensis, is derived from the Bug River, a tributary of the Vistula River in Eastern Europe, where the species was first discovered. The common name "Quagga" comes from the extinct Quagga, a subspecies of the plains zebra, due to the striped pattern of the mussel's shell.
Description
Quagga mussels are small, typically measuring 20-45 millimeters in length, with females being slightly larger than males. The shell is triangular and rounded, with a color pattern that ranges from almost entirely white to dark brown, often with dark concentric rings. The interior of the shell is usually white or cream-colored.
Distribution and Habitat
Quagga mussels are native to the Dnieper River drainage of Ukraine, and the Ponto-Caspian region. They have become invasive in several areas, including the Great Lakes in North America, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. They inhabit freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the Quagga mussel begins with the release of eggs and sperm into the water column. After fertilization, the resulting larvae, or veligers, drift in the water column for several weeks before settling onto a hard substrate. The mussels reach sexual maturity in about two years and can live up to five years.
Ecology
Quagga mussels are filter feeders, consuming phytoplankton, small zooplankton, and bacteria, which they filter out of the water column. They can significantly alter the ecosystems they inhabit by reducing the availability of these resources for other organisms. They also serve as a food source for several species of fish and birds.
Invasive Species
Quagga mussels have become a significant invasive species in many areas. They are able to attach to hard surfaces, allowing them to colonize water supply pipes of power plants and public water supply facilities, resulting in significant economic damage. Their filtering activity can also alter the ecosystems they invade, impacting native species.
Control Measures
Several methods have been used to control the spread of Quagga mussels, including the use of chemicals, bacteria, and other biological controls. Public education campaigns have also been implemented to prevent the spread of mussels through recreational boating activities.