Beware the False Dark Mussel

From October 11, 1991 (update #11)

The dark false mussel (Mytilopsis leucophaeata), a mussel similar in appearance to the zebra mussel, has been reported from the Upper Mississippi River, according to a paper published in Malacology Data Net (vol. 2, no. 5/6) by Leroy Koch of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Its presence makes mollusk experts suspicious of unconfirmed reports of zebra mussel-like organisms found in this watershed. According to Koch's report, false dark mussels are not expected to reproduce in fresh water, however, so their comparatively small numbers should help distinguish these imitators from the usually prolific zebra mussel. Further information on the false dark mussel can be found in recent issues of the Dreissena polymorpha Information Review published by New York Sea Grant Extension.

ID: 19911011-7.

The Zebra Mussel Update was a 4- to 8-page quarterly national newsletter published by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute from May 1990 through May 1997. The ZMU documented the spread of the zebra mussel -- an exotic nuisance mussel -- through North America's freshwater environments, especially the Great Lakes, and on efforts to control it.