Zebra mussels have been found in packaged moss balls for sale at pet stores across NC
The Dispatch
Aquatic moss balls containing invasive zebra mussels have been found in stores across North Carolina, including in Lexington, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and a local PetSmart store manager.
If introduced to a water system, zebra mussels can quickly take over the environment, according to the information provided by the state agency. They disrupt the food chain, change the water chemistry, close water intake and delivery systems and have the potential to cause extensive ecological damage.
Aquatic moss balls available for purchase at PetSmart on Lowes Boulevard had the zebra mussels inside, said Carlos Sanchez, the manager at PetSmart.
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More than 30 states, including Indiana, find invasive zebra mussels in aquarium moss balls
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Zebra mussel found within a moss ball. USGS Photo.
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Agency of Natural Resources staff scientists were alerted last week that an aquarium plant sold within Vermont and throughout the country may contain an invasive aquatic animal species, zebra mussels
(Dreissena polymorpha). The aquarium plant commonly known as moss balls, may be sold under names including “Beta Buddy Marimo Balls,” “Mini Marimo Moss Balls,” and “Marimo Moss Ball Plant” and were available to purchase in large department stores or through online sales. While the plant is benign, the plants may harbor zebra mussels within the plant, or within the packaging.