Warning: Invasive Zebra Mussels Sold In Aquarium Moss Balls
Mar 4, 2021, 5:02 PM
(Used by permission Utah Department of Wildlife Resources.)
(Used by permission Utah Department of Wildlife Resources.)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources issued an urgent warning to aquarium owners regarding the sale of marimo moss balls that could contain invasive zebra mussels.
The moss balls were sold in Utah aquarium supply stores under the “Betta Buddy” brand, according to DWR.
Heads up, aquarium owners. We’ve found what appear to be invasive zebra mussels in marimo moss balls sold at pet and aquarium supply stores in Utah. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/7x5hCbET6y
— UtahDWR (@UtahDWR) March 4, 2021
“If you’ve purchased “Betta Buddy” branded marimo moss balls in the last three months, you should boil them for two minutes or freeze them until solid, and then dispose of them in the trash,” the warning said. “Do not dispose of them in a toilet or a drain, or anywhere outdoors.”
The mussels could be in other brands of moss balls.
DWR warned that Zebra mussels, like quagga mussels, are a problematic invasive species. Once they get into water systems they can cause extensive and expensive damage such as plugging municipal water supply facilities, clog hydropower generators, and ruin boat engines.
Every boating season DWR sets up monitoring stations where inspectors look for quagga mussels on boats and watercraft. Agents will decontaminate boats where there is evidence of the pests.
Lake Powell is the only Utah water body in Utah with quagga mussels.
