Effect of Initial Infestation of Zebra Mussels on Freshwater Drum Diets in Red Lake, MN

Authors

Marissa M. Pribyl

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha veligers were first found in the Red Lake system in Beltrami County in 2017, however no adult zebra mussels have been documented. When zebra mussels first invade a system, fish often switch their prey use to this new abundant resource. Freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens is one of these fish species known to consume physidae and bivalves, including zebra mussels, using pharyngeal teeth, the molar-like grinders in the back of their throats. This research aims to identify any presence of adult zebra mussels in the system and determine freshwater drum diet composition and feeding patterns by analyzing drum stomach contents. Freshwater drum stomachs were extracted, dissected, and preserved to further analyze and document species consumed. No evidence of adult zebra mussels were found in the diets of the freshwater drum collected, suggesting adult zebra mussels are not present in the system. Diets were primarily comprised of Chironomidae, Gastropoda, and Trichoptera. Additionally, feeding behaviors were found to be influenced by location, length of fish, and seasonal changes. These results provide a greater understanding of freshwater drum diet composition and baseline data for Red Lake DNR to use in future research on zebra mussel infestation in the Red Lake system.

Publication Date

2023

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs

Recommended Citation

Pribyl, Marissa M., "Effect of Initial Infestation of Zebra Mussels on Freshwater Drum Diets in Red Lake, MN" (2023). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 5.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/5