Functional Relationships Between the Zebra Mussel and Other Benthic Species

By aggregating in large densities, zebra mussels create new three-dimensional habitats for different organisms. Pseudofeces and feces provide an abundant food supply for detritivores (Izvekova and Lvova-Kachanova 1972, Lvova 1977, Karatayev et al. 1983, Karatayev et al. 1997). As a consequence, a different community forms in mussel aggregations. According to Kharchenko and Protasov (1981), there are several direct functional relationships between the zebra mussel and associated benthic species:

• The formation of new habitat for benthic species.

• New trophic relationships that may be mutually beneficial to zebra mussels and their associates.

• Material relationships where associated species may use shell fragments to construct their microhabitats.

• Dispersal relationships where the zebra mussel may be transported by associated taxa (see the Distribution section).

Impacts Contents

Impacts on the Benthic Community