Effects of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) on mass, burrowing ability and growth rate of Campeloma decisum.

Abstract

Invasive species have caused a countless amount of damage to native species. This study was performed to analyze the effects of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on the mass, burrowing ability and growth rate of the Brown Mystery Snail (Campeloma decisum). Snails with and without zebra mussels were collected from South Fishtail Bay, Douglas Lake, MI. The mass, burrowing depth at 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours, and the growth rate were analyzed for differences between snails with zebra mussels and snails without zebra mussels. Data were not significant for the mass (df = 137, p = 0.262). Data were very significant for both the burrowing depth at each hour and the growth rate (p < 0.005 for all measurements). Data suggested that zebra mussels were affecting the burrowing depth and growth rate of Campeloma decisum.