Zebra mussels are small, freshwater mollusks native to the lakes and rivers of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. They have distinctive striped shells and typically grow to about 1 to 2 inches in length. These mussels are known for their rapid reproduction, which can lead to large populations that disrupt local ecosystems. Since their introduction to the Great Lakes in the 1980s, zebra mussels have become an invasive species in many parts of North America. They can clog water intake pipes, damage boats, and outcompete native species for food and habitat, causing significant ecological and economic impacts.