Officials in Washington state say zebra mussels were found Aug. 5 on Marimo moss aquarium balls. (Courtesy of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife)
Non-living zebra mussels — a fast-spreading invasive species that can clog pipes — have been detected in Marimo moss balls being sold in Idaho, state officials announced Monday.
A news release by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture said the mussels were found on moss balls shipped to a Boise aquarium product retailer, and that all products were voluntarily surrendered to the state agriculture agency for proper disposal.
“Store managers and staff throughout the state have been cooperative throughout this important process,” Idaho State Department of Agriculture Invasive Species Bureau Chief Nic Zurfluh said in a statement. “Everyone has a part to play in protecting our state from invasive species. We now rely on the public to do their part in inspecting aquariums for the invasive mussels.”
Zebra mussels — like quagga mussels — are an invasive species that can clog water pipes and harm native fish populations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation .