Dreissena bugensis, a biofouling mussel similar in appearance to the zebra mussel, was introduced into North America from Europe sometime in the late 1980’s.
Superfamily: Dreissenacea
Family: Dreissenidae
Genus: Dreissena
Species: bugensis
Common name: Quagga mussel
Negative impacts: Biofouling potential for man-made and natural structures, competition with native species
Introduced Dreissenacea
· Introduced to North America between 1989 and 1991.
Habitat: Attached to hard substrates in freshwater habitats. May also be found in pipes and grates associated with state, federal, and municipal facilities. Also found on soft sediments in deep waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Size: Small, shell length ranges up to 6 cm
Life span: Short-lived (3-5 years)
Reproductive cycle:
· Dioecious with external fertilization.
· Larvae settle out of the plankton and attach to hard substrates with byssal threads as previously described for D. polymorpha (See Life History section).
Distinguishing characteristics:
Internal
· Myophore plate present anteriorly.
External
· Dorsally tapered shell valves.
· Epifaunal, attached to hard substrate.
· Umbone located anteriorly.
· Byssal threads present ventrally.
· Bottom of shell convex, not flat.
· Ventral shell margin lacking an acute angle.