Invasive mussels found in aquarium moss balls sold in Montana.

Aquarium moss balls with invasive mussels were sold in multiple states across the Northwest. Customers are asked to dispose of moss balls properly by freezing them overnight.

Invasive zebra mussels found another avenue for potential infestation of Montana waters. Montana FWP was notified Wednesday that zebra mussels were detected in aquarium moss balls sold at a pet store in Washington state. FWP immediately checked pet stores around Montana and found invasive mussels in moss balls at multiple locations.

All of the mussels detected in Montana so far have been dead shells. However, live mussels were found on moss balls in Oregon and Idaho.

FWP is working closely with other states and Federal agencies to address this nation-wide issue.

If you have recently purchased moss balls, remove them from the water, place them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. Additional guidance for addressing potential mussels in aquariums and how to treat tank water will be available soon. Please don’t dispose of your aquarium tank water in your household drain.

This is another reminder to never dump aquarium tank pets, plants, or water into Montana’s waterways.

Visit Don’t Let It Loose.

If you have any questions call the Aquatic Invasive species hotline: 406-444-2440.