The Quagga Mussel is a small, freshwater mollusk native to the rivers of Ukraine and Russia. It was first discovered in the United States in the late 1980s and has since spread to various lakes and rivers, particularly in the Great Lakes region. These mussels are known for their striped shells and can reproduce rapidly, leading to significant ecological and economic impacts.
Quagga Mussels filter large amounts of water, which can improve water clarity but disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for food. Their presence can also cause problems for industries, such as fishing and water treatment, by clogging pipes and machinery.