Does Depth Affect Zebra Mussel Length in Scalp Lake?

Authors

Zanden Mellen

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Since its first sighting in 1996, zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha have been confirmed in hundreds of Minnesota lakes. Not only were they found in lakes, but they are also found in rivers too. With lack of effective treatments to impede their spread, zebra mussels continue to colonize new areas causing ecological as well as economic harm. The objective of this study was to see if there was a relationship between a zebra mussel length and the depth, they are found using shell length (mm) and depth (cm). The comparison of zebra mussel length and depth was done by performing a regression analysis. On 18 October 2024, 150 zebra mussels were sampled at 10 different depths from the north, east, south, and west parts of Scalp Lake. Scalp Lake was chosen for the lake to sample because of the high-water clarity and the high number of zebra mussels present. Average zebra mussel length was 12.00 mm (SD = 1.20) on the north shore; 12.64 mm (SD = 1.64) on the east shore; 16.58 mm (SD = 1.57) on the south shore; and 12.65 mm (SD = 1.06) on the west shore. There was no significant relationship between zebra mussel length and depth in any quadrant around the lake (north shore P = 0.85; east shore P = 0.42; south shore P = 0.35; west shore P = 0.29). The results show that zebra mussel size is more related to lake location and less depth. This could be due to the fact that vegetation densities are different around each quadrant of the lake.

Publication Date

2025

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Mellen, Zanden, "Does Depth Affect Zebra Mussel Length in Scalp Lake?" (2025). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 82.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/82