The Freshwater Mollusk Dreissena polymorpha (Zebra Mussel) - A Review: Living, Prospects and Jeopardies

Abstract

This review paper aims to address the topic of the living, prospects as well as jeopardies of the invasive Zebra Mussel. Broad literature reviews have been taken place to gather as many facts on this species as possible to summon all the most significant information up in one paper to be available for everyone. To get a better understanding of freshwater mussels in general, a short review of freshwater mussel diversity in America has been written also. The review paper focuses especially on living, prospects, and jeopardies in North America. The review revealed, freshwater mussels to be of practical importance and of great primeness for scientific research due to their unique life cycle. Especially the freshwater mollusk Dreissena polymorpha (Dreissenidae), colloquial known as the zebra mussel draws interest due to the mollusks’ invasive character and their tremendous filtering capacity. Once originated from the Ponto-Caspian region and currently present in 33 European Countries and 33 states of North America the freshwater bivalve draws interest all over the world. Their larval stage allows broad invasions of aquatic systems. Even though they can both harm their habitat as well as other organisms living in it, Dreissena polymorpha enormous filtering capacity can be utilized effectively if managed right. However, a lack of natural enemies and environmentally friendly pesticides makes control of Dreissena polymorpha in open water impossible.