Zebra Mussel

The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a small freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusc in the family Dreissenidae. The species originates from the lakes of southwestern Russia and southeastern Europe, but has been accidentally introduced to numerous other areas and has become an invasive species in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Since the 1980s, the species has invaded the Great Lakes, Hudson River, Lake Travis, Finger Lakes, Lake Bonaparte, and Lake Simcoe. The adverse effects of dreissenid mussels on freshwater systems have led to their classification as among the world's most invasive aquatic species.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Zebra Mussel being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Mytilopsis leucophaeata
• Dreissena bugensis
• Limnoperna fortunei
• Mytilaster lineatus
• Xenostrobus securis

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Mollusca

Class

Bivalvia

Order

Myida

Family

Dreissenidae

Genus

Dreissena

Species

Dreissena polymorpha

More species