itriavalley-deactivated20210424:

amazingpetenclosures:

zooophagous:

Heads up pet keepers: zebra mussels have been spotted in Petco Betta Buddy brand moss balls.

If you don’t know what zebra mussels are, they’re an invasive aquatic species that reproduces incredibly quickly, to the point where it can damage power plant equipment and pipes, and also is a major threat to native mussels as it rapidly outcompetes them. They are a scourge on lakes across the midwest and spread easily on boats or other watercraft thats been exposed to them.

Finding one in a chain pet store item is BAD NEWS. These items are sold across the entire country and this has the potential to be a major spreader event. If you spot a zebra mussel on marimo or on any other aquarium plant please make a report to the relevant wildlife officials so they can be controlled. Do not dispose of any aquarium animal or plant in a waterway.

If we are vigilant, we can help keep our native mussels safe.

I know this isn’t enclosure related, but this is very important! Please be aware when buying supplies for your tanks!

These things are everywhere in the Great Lakes area. Native birds have a tendency to consume these things and have taken critical damage to their populations, these things are poisonous and are hard to get rid of. Please take serious precautions. Don’t even think about dumping them outside. That would make the situation a whole lot worse.