Invasive Mussels Found in Idaho Aquarium Tank Products

The Idaho Department of Agriculture says investigations continue after the discovery of invasive zebra mussels in a shipment of aquarium equipment.

   The non-living specimens were found in a moss ball

The Marino moss balls are used for decorations in fish tanks, the IDA says these were shipped to an aquarium store in Boise, where the owner noticed them as they were inspecting the items.

Recently, similar invasive mussels were found in Marino moss balls in a Renton, WA aquarium store. In both cases, officials say the store owners notified their respective Ag Departments as soon as they made the discoveries.

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Zebra and Quagga mussels are small but rapidly growing invasive creatures that, if left unchecked, clog and even destroy pipes, valves, pumps, and nearly any kind of water or irrigation system. The mussels have explosive growth and layer on top of each other, creating difficult-to-remove clogs.

WA and Idaho officials are working hard to prevent their spread and have begun eradication efforts where necessary.  It's estimated if they infiltrate widespread water systems in WA, it could cost upwards of $100  million annual to get rid of them.