Idaho agriculture department reports non-living invasive zebra mussels found in aquarium balls

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 .

All aquarium owners should “carefully examine their own material for invasive species,” and follow official guidance on how to safely dispose of contaminated material, the Idaho agriculture department says. Owners should not dump aquarium water or throw away moss balls into drains or natural bodies of water, Idaho officials say.

Need more info or help on zebra mussels?

Visit invasivespecies.idaho.gov/moss /

Contact the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s Invasive Species Program at 877-336-8676 or info@isda.idaho.gov .

The State Department of Agriculture is continuing inspections at local pet and aquarium stores, while officials work to further collect and dispose affected products.

Zebra mussels were detected in Washington on Aug. 5 on Marimo moss balls shipped to a wholesale aquarium company in Renton, Washington. Idaho officials warned Idaho aquarium owners to inspect for the mussels last week.

After chemically killing quagga mussels in the Snake River last fall, Idaho officials haven’t spotted viable quagga mussels this spring. But they say they still need to sample amid peak reproduction season, the Idaho Capital Sun reported .

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