Factors limiting colonization of western New York creeks by the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

Abstract

The Erie Canal in western New York state provides water to many streams during the summer and is a potential source of invasive species, such as the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). Yet the Zebra Mussel is not found in those streams except immediately downstream from where canal water enters them. Given appropriate physical habitat, water quality and an abundant source of veliger larvae, the factors limiting Zebra Mussel colonization in the stream we studied remain unknown, but three factors appear to be important: 1) Partial retention of veligers by the wetland through which the canal discharge flows, 2) Filtering of phytoplankton and veligers by the dense bed of adult Zebra Mussels at the beginning of the outfall channel from the canal to the creek, or 3) Inappropriate food quality (e.g., lack of phytoplankton with important fatty acid constituents) in the creek.