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Re: NFC: Zebra Mussels (Was Blue Pike)
Although Zebra Mussels are excellent filter feeders, thats not a good thing.
:) THe water looks a lot clearer, and more light will help reach plants.
HOweve,r the Zebra Mussels often outcompete plants for growing room.
Moreover, by filtering out HUGE ammounts of phyto and zooplankton, there's
very little food available for baby fish. The zooplankton finds little
phyto to feed on, and dies back further. Other organisms which feed on the
zooplankton begin to suffer, and eventually, it makes it all the way up the
food chain. Soon, all you have left are organisms that can feed on Zebra
Mussels (So far, I've heard of no native fish that'll do it. If you know
any, let me know....) and those that can feed on the plants -- those that
manage to outcompete the zebra mussels. You'll note that the worst places
to fish and collect are crystal clear waters, or those that are choked with
plants.
Joshua.
----- Original Message -----
From: <CEFCHURCH at aol_com>
To: <nfc at actwin_com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2001 1:43 PM
Subject: Re: NFC: blue pike stuff
> In a message dated 7/4/01 12:27:54 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
> ghemsath at att_net writes:
>
> << I don't think that the Zebra mussels can be considered all bad
> One good effect, as I understand it is that
> As filter feeders they seem to have had a major impact on cleaning up the
> water pollution
> >>
>
> A couple of years ago, I hosted Indiana's non-game aquatic life biologist
> Brant Fisher to give a public talk in conjunction with the Adopt A Tank I
> have at the library. Forgive me for not being able to recall his specific
> reasons, but I clearly recall him saying zebra mussels were something he
> found nothing good to say about.
>
> Chuck Church
> Indianapolis, Indiana
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