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Oct 26, 2023

'Destroy,' 'dispose' moss balls infected with invasive zebra mussels

Unwanted passengers have been found in certain aquarium décor, and conservation officials are on high alert. The dreaded zebra mussels have been found in a type of algae known as moss balls. Marimo is

Unwanted passengers have been found in certain aquarium décor, and conservation officials are on high alert.

The dreaded zebra mussels have been found in a type of algae known as moss balls. Marimo is a “filamentous algae,” according to Missouri Department of Conservation. It grows into velvety balls of moss. Wild marimo are found mainly in Europe and Asia, especially in Japan.

“In recent years, their aesthetic appeal has made these plant-like organisms popular in the aquarium trade,” MDC stated.

The mollusks are an invasive species that can harm habitats in reservoirs and streams. MDC said zebra mussels were recently discovered in some moss balls sold commercially for aquariums in Missouri and other states.

“Experts don’t know how zebra mussels got inside the moss balls, but this discovery reveals a new way these non-native invasive pests can spread,” MDC stated.

An aquarium with moss balls infected with zebra mussels has the potential of having veligers, or zebra mussel larvae, in the water. Zebra mussels could be introduced into a new body of water if the aquarium water is switched out or if the contents get dumped in a nearby creek or lake.

This latest case is a good reminder for people to “never dispose of aquarium contents into a nearby body of water because of the harmful non-native organisms this could introduce into local ecosystems,” MDC stated in referencing experts.

With zebra mussels, there are biological and economic problems tied to them. Although the size of a fingernail, mussels can gather as thick as a million per square meter, which can cause problems for pipes and other water equipment, according to MDC. These clusters can also kill native mussels while disrupting food chains.

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“The discovery of zebra mussels in moss balls means aquarium owners play an invaluable part in preventing the spread of zebra mussels, too,” MDC stated. “If you find zebra mussels in your aquarium, remember these three words – destroy, dispose, drain.”

You can destroy in one of three ways, MDC says:

Once one of the “destroy” steps are done, dispose of the moss ball and any of its packaging in a sealed plastic bag in the trash. If vinegar, boiling water, or bleach was used, the liquid can be disposed down a household drain.

"Never pour into a storm drain where it could enter and damage local waterways," MDC says.

Then, drain and clean the aquarium.

When draining and cleaning your aquarium, it’s important to follow these steps:

Information about how to take care of zebra mussel-infected moss balls can be found at fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/zebra-mussel-disposal.html.

Information about how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels in Missouri can be found at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/protect-missouri-fishing/zebra-mussels.

Sara Karnes is an outdoors reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Follow along with her adventures on Twitter and Instagram @Sara_Karnes. Got a story to tell? Email her at [email protected].