Despite its growth was explosive, partly because the species was preyed upon by very few native predators in its new environment. As a consequence, the zebra mussels did find a plentiful food supply. They eat huge amounts of phytoplankton, which tiny free-floating sea organisms that dwell in water. Scientists are concerned when the mussels may compete aggressively with other species that depend on the same food supply. Others concerned by the invading species are industry, public utilities, and boat owners.
Zebra mussels cluster in huge colonies, being anchored themselves to any hard surface.
These colonies can clog your water intake pipes of electric and water treatment plants. Fishery specialists are currently casting about and baiting their hooks to gun down control methods that will cause the lowest amount of damage to water supplies and other aquatic species. Two of the alternatives exploring are interrupting the species reproductive cycle and finding a bacterium harmful only to zebra mussels. The zebra mussel will provide a difficult challenge for public utility managers. No one knows how far south and west the zebra mussel is likely to spread, but scientists think they may be on the trail of important clues.