Cute aquarium plant could be hiding harmful creature and should be killed

Invasive zebra mussels have been found inside a type of algae ball that is a popular aquarium addition, and wildlife agencies are urging owners to kill the balls and disinfect their aquarium.

Alerts have been issued in several states after zebra mussels were found in Betta Buddy Marimo Balls sold at PetCo stores. The first findings were in Washington and Oregon early this week, and others have been reported since then.

PetCo and PetSmart said they have removed the product from shelves nationwide.

“Invasive mussels from this product could get into the wild, start a population and do serious damage,” said Rick Boatner, invasive species program supervisor for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, in a press release from the agency on Wednesday.

The concern is that live mussels released into a storm drain or flushed could get into waterways.

Betta Buddy is a brand name for a product known as Marimo moss balls, which is actually a spherical algae. In the past few years it has become popular among aquarium owners because it’s easy to take care of and provides a plaything or a resting place for fish and other aquarium creatures.

The warning says the balls should be frozen or boiled before discarding, and that they should not be flushed down the toilet. The aquarium and its filters and gravel should be disinfected with a weak bleach solution before fish are returned to it.

Zebra mussels can quickly take over waterways and lakes, disrupting the food chain, clogging pipes and filters and changing the chemistry of the water.