On March 1, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists were alerted that zebra mussels were found attached and inside moss balls sold as aquarium plants. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that can devastate local ecosystems and infrastructure. Zebra mussels are currently invasive in several states, and we need the public’s help to ensure this dangerous invasive species does not spread further.
Aquarium moss balls are not moss but a green filamentous algae (Aegagropila linnaei) that looks like moss. They are soft and spongy when filled with water in aquariums and provide habitat for fish, shrimp, and other species. Moss balls are hearty and easy to maintain and are an active commodity in the aquarium trade. Moss balls can be purchased in every state through national retail chains, small independent retailers, and online marketplaces.
The species is found mainly in areas of Northern Europe and in several places in Japan. It has rarely been found in North America and Australia. The moss ball itself is not found to be invasive.
Zebra mussels are native to Eastern Europe in the Black, Caspian, and Azov seas. It is unknown whether contamination is occurring within the supply, distribution, or retail chains. Additional assessments will be needed to understand the origins and magnitude of the problem.
Zebra mussels are one of the most devastating invasive species in North America. When they become established in an environment, they alter food webs and change water chemistry, harming native fish, plants, and other aquatic life. They clog pipelines used for water filtration, render beaches unusable, and damage boats. These filter feeders outcompete other native species in infested rivers and lakes. The waste they produce accumulates and degrades the environment, using up oxygen, making the water acidic, and producing toxic byproducts.
As of March 4, 2021, zebra mussels found on moss balls have been reported in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Washington.
Zebra mussel contaminated moss balls must be properly disposed of throughout the supply chain, including retail stores, on-line commerce, and home tanks of aquarists.
At this time, we do not know the full extent of stores or products containing zebra mussels. If you have recently purchased moss balls from any retailer, we recommend they be destroyed following our Destroy, Dispose, Drain instructions.
Until we know the extent of the moss ball contamination problem in the United States, we are recommending that recently purchased moss balls be destroyed, the water decontaminated, and tanks cleaned according to the instructions on our website. https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/zebra-mussel-disposal.html
Zebra mussels can damage your tank’s filtration system. Zebra mussel larva can live in the water, in the aquarium substrate, on decorative elements, and in the filter systems. Until we know the extent of the moss ball contamination problem in the United States, we are recommending that recently purchased moss balls be destroyed, the water decontaminated, and your tank cleaned according to the instructions on our website.
Reports of zebra mussels attached to moss balls should be submitted to the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species data base. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/SightingReport.aspx.
Upon submission, the information you provide is sent to USGS staff experts for verification. Follow the Destroy, Dispose, Drain procedures outlined on our website.
For questions or concerns specific to your state, reach out to your local fish and wildlife agency. https://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species funds and coordinates aquatic invasive species activities across the country. Our regional coordinators work closely with the public and private sector partners, and our Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices provide research and technical support. The Service also develops regulations to prohibit the importation and some transport of high-risk species known as injurious wildlife.
