A Bioenergetics Model of Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, Growth in the Great Lakes

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 1406-1416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W. Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Individual Growth ◽  
Main Body

An individual growth model of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is presented, based on weight- and temperature-specific physiological parameters taken from the literature on zebra mussels and marine mussels. Given food availability and water temperature the model can predict growth and consumption of zebra mussels in diverse environments. The model was tested with data from Lake Constance and matches observed growth fairly closely. Using the functional response of zebra mussels to increasing food concentration, the model simulates individual zebra mussel growth in novel habitats. For the Great Lakes, the following predictions were made: zebra mussels have bimodal growth patterns, with rapid growth in the spring and fall during periods of high food availability and moderate temperatures; growth rates are highest in Lake Ontario and lowest in Lake Superior, reflecting the trophic gradient in the Great Lakes; based on published weight/fecundity relationships, zebra mussels reach reproductive size in all of the Great Lakes except the main body of Lake Superior; and local eutrophication (e.g. Duluth/Superior Harbor) increases zebra mussel growth rates. Modelled consumption rates in Lakes Erie and Ontario are also consistent with rates of consumption by the zebra mussel in eutrophic and mesotrophic European lakes.

Dramatic Decline of Unionid Bivalves in Offshore Waters of Western Lake Erie After Infestation by the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha

1994 ◽  
Vol 51 (10) ◽  
pp. 2234-2242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don W. Schloesser ◽  
Thomas F. Nalepa
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Laurentian Great Lakes ◽  
Western Lake ◽  
Dramatic Decline ◽  
Heavy Infestation ◽  
Western Lake Erie

Unionid bivalves and attached epizoic zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were collected at one index station in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and at 17 stations in 1991 in offshore waters of western Lake Erie of the Laurentian Great Lakes. Sampling at the index station revealed that the proportion of live unionids declined from 53% in September 1989 to 17% in May–June 1990 and to 0% in September 1990: this 100% mortality coincided with heavy infestation by zebra mussels. Quantitative sampling with a Ponar grab at the 17 stations in 1991 revealed a widespread and dramatic reduction in unionid populations. In 1982, five unionid species occurred at 35% of the stations at a density of 4/m2, whereas in 1991, no live unionid species were found. Qualitative sampling with an epibenthic sled at the 17 stations in 1991 yielded only 4 live specimens of 2 species (Amblema plicata plicata and Fusconaia flava) and 187 dead specimens of 10 species. These and other results indicate that unionid populations are being negatively affected by zebra mussels in the Great Lakes. Similar impacts on unionids are expected to occur where zebra mussels become abundant throughout North America.

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) effects on sediment, other zoobenthos, and the diet and growth of adult yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in pond enclosures

1997 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 1903-1915 ◽  
Author(s):  
S A Thayer ◽  
R C Haas ◽  
R D Hunter ◽  
R H Kushler
Keyword(s):  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Structural Heterogeneity ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Zooplankton Density ◽  
Growth Differences ◽  
Percent Nitrogen ◽  
Induced Changes

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in enclosures located in an experimental pond adjacent to Lake St. Clair, Michigan, increased sedimentation rate but had relatively minor effects on percent organic matter and percent nitrogen content of sediment. In contrast, sediment from Lake St. Clair adjacent to zebra mussels was significantly higher in carbon than that 0.5 m away. Zebra mussels increase the nutritional value of surficial sediment and provide greater structural heterogeneity, which is probably more important in causing change among zoobenthos. Zoobenthos and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) diet were dominated by dipteran larvae and leeches. Zoobenthos was significantly different between enclosures with and without zebra mussels. Treatments with zebra mussels had significantly more oligochaetes and tended to have more crustaceans (isopods and amphipods). In June, yellow perch without zebra mussels consumed significantly more zooplankton, and those with mussels had more crustaceans in their diet. Zooplankton density was greater in treatments without zebra mussels. Yellow perch with zebra mussels grew significantly more than those without mussels. Zebra mussels in the enclosures neither reproduced nor were eaten by yellow perch; hence. the observed growth differences were due to indirect effects involving zebra mussel induced changes in benthic structure and biota.

A review of the early life history of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha): comparisons with marine bivalves

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (7) ◽  
pp. 1169-1179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef Daniel Ackerman ◽  
Blair Sim ◽  
S. Jerrine Nichols ◽  
Renata Claudi
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Early Life History ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Larval Shell ◽  
Planktonic Larva ◽  
External Fertilization ◽  
Marine Bivalves ◽  
History Of

The ecological and economic impacts of the introduced zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas)) have been due in part to a life history that is conserved with marine bivalves but unique among the indigenous freshwater fauna. There are a number of life history events in D. polymorpha that follow external fertilization and embryology. The first is a brief trochophore stage. The development of a velum and secretion of a larval shell lead to a D-shaped veliger, which is the first recognizable planktonic larva. Later a second larval shell is secreted and this veliconcha is the last obligate free-swimming veliger. Conversely, the last larval stage, the pediveliger, can either swim using its velum or crawl using its foot. Pediveligers select substrates on which they "settle" by secreting byssal threads and undergo metamorphosis to become plantigrade mussels. The secretion of the adult shell and change in growth axis lead to the convergent heteromyarian shape. Zebra mussels produce byssal threads as adults, but these attachments may be broken, enabling the mussels to translocate to new areas. The recognition of these life history features will lead to a better understanding of zebra mussel biology. In summary, life history stages of zebra mussels are similar to those of marine bivalves and should be identified morphologically rather than on the basis of size.

Interactions between zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and microbial communities

2000 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc E Frischer ◽  
Sandra A Nierzwicki-Bauer ◽  
Robert H Parsons ◽  
Kanda Vathanodorn ◽  
Kelli R Waitkus
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Hudson River ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Ecological Effect ◽  
Clearance Rates ◽  
Surrounding Water ◽  
The Impact

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have had an enormous impact on aquatic environments. However, little is known concerning their interactions with microbial communities. In these studies, the ability of zebra mussels to derive nutrition from bacterioplankton and their effect on microbial community diversity were investigated in samples from the Hudson River, New York, and in laboratory studies. Clear physiological responses to starvation were observed, including decreases in respiration rates, lipid content, and total weight, that were reversed after feeding zebra mussels a diet of bacteria. Clearance rates of bacteria were correlated with bacteria size (r2= 0.995), with the lowest clearance rates associated with small indigenous river bacteria (size = 0.03 ± 0.04 µm3, clearance rate = 0.08 ± 0.02 mL·mussel-1·min-1). Comparison of the diversity of microbial communities in zebra mussel tissue extract, detritus, and pseudofecal material associated with zebra mussel colonies, surrounding water, and sediment samples revealed distinct microbial assemblages associated with these environments. The overall ecological effect and importance of bacteria - zebra mussel interactions remains unclear, but these studies indicate that these interactions occur and should be included in our efforts to better understand the impact of zebra mussels on aquatic systems.

Response of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Oneida Lake, New York, to the establishment of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)

2000 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 742-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Mayer ◽  
A J VanDeValk ◽  
J L Forney ◽  
L G Rudstam ◽  
E L Mills
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Water Clarity ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Oneida Lake ◽  
Zooplankton Size ◽  
Adult Growth

We used long-term data on Oneida Lake, New York, to evaluate hypotheses about the effects of introduced zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on yellow perch (Perca flavescens). We detected no change in survival, diet, or numbers of young-of-the-year (YOY) yellow perch. YOY growth increased in association with zebra mussel introduction and was marginally correlated with zooplankton size, which increased after zebra mussel introduction. Low numbers of YOY in recent years did not explain their increased growth rate. The percentage of age 3 and older yellow perch that consumed zooplankton and benthos increased after zebra mussel introduction. Water clarity, which has increased since zebra mussel introduction, was inversely related to the percentage of the adult population with empty stomachs and positively related to the percentage that consumed benthos. The percentage of adult yellow perch that consumed zooplankton was positively related to zooplankton size. Despite the increase in percentage of adults consuming both types of invertebrate prey, we detected no changes in adult growth associated with zebra mussel introduction. This suggests that the principal effects of zebra mussels on yellow perch in Oneida Lake were not via benthic pathways but through modifications of water clarity and zooplankton. Thus far, these effects have not been negative for the yellow perch population.

scholarly journals Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) selective filtration promoted toxic Microcystis blooms in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) and Lake Erie

2001 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1208-1221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry A Vanderploeg ◽  
James R Liebig ◽  
Wayne W Carmichael ◽  
Megan A Agy ◽  
Thomas H Johengen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Laboratory Strain ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Lake Huron ◽  
Feeding Rates ◽  
Saginaw Bay ◽  
Western Lake ◽  
Filtering Rates

Microcystis aeruginosa, a planktonic colonial cyanobacterium, was not abundant in the 2-year period before zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) establishment in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) but became abundant in three of five summers subsequent of mussel establishment. Using novel methods, we determined clearance, capture, and assimilation rates for zebra mussels feeding on natural and laboratory M. aeruginosa strains offered alone or in combination with other algae. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that zebra mussels promoted blooms of toxic M. aeruginosa in Saginaw Bay, western Lake Erie, and other lakes through selective rejection in pseudofeces. Mussels exhibited high feeding rates similar to those seen for a highly desirable food alga (Cryptomonas) with both large ( >53 µm) and small (<53 µm) colonies of a nontoxic and a toxic laboratory strain of M. aeruginosa known to cause blockage of feeding in zooplankton. In experiments with naturally occurring toxic M. aeruginosa from Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie and a toxic isolate from Lake Erie, mussels exhibited lowered or normal filtering rates with rejection of M. aeruginosa in pseudofeces. Selective rejection depended on "unpalatable" toxic strains of M. aeruginosa occurring as large colonies that could be rejected efficiently while small desirable algae were ingested.

A method for reconstruction of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) length from shell fragments

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (12) ◽  
pp. 2486-2490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana J. Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Selective Predation ◽  
Diving Ducks ◽  
Point Pelee ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Shell Fragments

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are subject to size-selective predation by several species of diving ducks and fish in Europe and North America. Ingested mussels are crushed, but the internal septum in the umbonal region of the mussel usually remains intact. Using mussels collected at Point Pelee, Lake Erie, I showed that there is a strong relationship between the length of the septum and of the mussel (r2 = 0.96). I compared this with a similar relationship developed for European zebra mussels and tested both models on mussels collected from Point Pelee and from Stoney Point, Lake St. Clair. Septal length relative to mussel length was greatest at Stoney Point and least at Point Pelee. The European estimates fell between the two. I concluded that to obtain accurate estimates of mussel length when investigating size-selective predation on zebra mussels, the relationship between mussel and septal lengths should be determined at each study location.

Development of macroinvertebrate community structure associated with zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) colonization of artificial substrates

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 1438-1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Wisenden ◽  
Robert C. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Artificial Substrates ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Protected Site

We used artificial substrates (rocks < 1500 cm2 surface area) in shallow water (2 m) to assess the development of epilithic macroinvertebrate communities in the presence of zebra mussels. At a turbulent site (Wheatley, Lake Erie), previously colonized (with a non-zebra mussel community) and uncolonized rocks left for 1 year both had lower densities of total invertebrates than previously colonized rocks recovered after only 1 day. As zebra mussels colonized the rocks, Gammarus sp. (amphipods) increased in density, while Chironomini and Tanypodinae (midges), Polycentropus sp. (caddisflies), and Physella sp. and Pleurocera sp. (snails) declined. At a protected site (Stoney Point, Lake St. Clair), previously colonized rocks initially (2 months) had higher densities of many taxa, including zebra mussels, than uncolonized rocks. This difference disappeared after 1 year, as zebra mussels increased on all rocks. Gammarus sp. maintained its numbers, while Tricladida (flatworms) increased and Oecetis sp. (caddisflies), Physella sp., Pleurocera sp., and Tanypodinae declined. Although a similar "zebra mussel – amphipod" community developed on rocks at both sites, we hypothesize that at the turbulent site, zebra mussels and amphipods have a shared tolerance of unstable habitats, and zebra mussels facilitate amphipod colonization of rocks by increasing microhabitat stability and food supply. At the protected site, zebra mussels outcompete other surface dwellers like snails for space, and facilitate the colonization of scavenger–omnivores like amphipods and flatworms.

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