Quagga Mussels

Quagga Mussel
Sea Grant Michigan Photo

Quagga mussels were discovered in Lake Mead on January 6, 2007.Quagga are an invasive species native to Russia and Ukraine and are thought to have been transported to the Great Lakes region in the ballast water of transoceanic ships.

Quagga mussels were discovered by Metropolitan Water District divers Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 at Lake Havasu, and again on Friday, Jan 19, 2007 about 14 miles to the north

Quagga Mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) are a small freshwater mollusk. They have some diagnostic features to identify them from zebra mussels. The quagga's shell has a rounded angle, a convex ventral, and their color varies from black, white, cream, but they are generally paler (U.S.G.S.). The quagga causes problem because they are “water filterers” and are able to remove large amounts of phytoplankton and suspended particulates from lakes and streams (Sea Grant Michigan). This can have a potential to alter the balance of the aquatic food web. The mussels’ tissues also trap contaminants, which can be exposed to wildlife if they are eaten. Like zebra mussels, the quagga also clogs water structures that can reduce pumping capabilities for water treatment (Sea Grant Michigan).

Quagga mussels can grow up to 4 cm. These mussels are indigenous to the Dneiper River drainage of the Ukraine.

California Department of Fish and Game Quagga Mussel Page

California Department of Fish and Game News Releases:

Boaters Asked to Help Stop Spread of Quagga Mussel
Boating recreation is at risk (Aug. 31, 2007)

Invasive Quagga Mussels Identified In California (Jan. 19, 2007)

California Department of Fish and Game Maps: