Dreissena spp. tend to be the dominant invertebrates both in numbers and biomass in benthic communities, with their introduction often leading to the displacement of indigenous species (Karatayev et al. 1997). Attachment to a suitable substrate is essential to completion of their life cycle, but other organisms, however, have been reported to be capable of excluding Dreissena from substrates. Sponges, especially on vertical surfaces, can overgrow and kill Dreissena spp. by impairing normal mussel feeding and respiration (Ricciardi et al. 1995). Other benthic organisms recorded to successfully outcompete dreissenids include amphipods, algae, bryozoans, hydrozoan coelenterates, and other bivalves (Molloy et al. 1997). None of these organisms, however, appear to have potential for use as a biocontrol agent, due both to their lack of specificity and their own micro/macrofouling nature.
Sponges (yellow and light green areas) in process of overgrowing zebra mussel colony (Photo: T. Lauer).
Management and Control Contents