Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Mussels

Over the last few years I have noticed some mussels along the banks of my pond but this year I have lots and lots of mussels. I even see them floating in the pond when I am out in the boat. Can anyone tell me if this is good or bad ? Any info about mussels would be appreciated.

David, I posted a mussels question once. What I found is that they hitch a ride as a parasite, usually on fish that are stocked or added. When they grow enough, they drop off and start growing. Not a lot is known about their early life cycle. Use the search feature and you should find out something about them.

I tried the search deal and nothing came up.
Do you remember if they are a bad thing or not ?

David,
An abundance of mussles is not good in a pond due to the fact they feed on plankton thus diminishing the the fertility of your pond. The little guys have less to eat so there are fewer of them = fewer big fish.

Yes, but catfish eat mussels, so they are really turning all that phytoplankton and zooplankton into what you really want.

Also, mussels are indicators of aquatic health. If they are present in your pond, it is a good bet that the water isn't too badly polluted.

Short answer is that I wouldn't worry about them being in my pond.

Yes, they are an indicator of a healthy pond. And yes, they probably hitched a ride to your pond from somewhere. I've heard that ducks are good at transporting unwanted pond invaders. And finally, yes, they syphon valuable feed out of your water that could be eaten by your baitfish/bluegills. I love catfishing myself. If I had your problem, I would stock the pond with some blue cats large enough to escape predation. They will eventually grow big enough to eat your mussels. How many u would stock, I have no idea. I have always heard and read that blue cats are notorious mussel bed raiders. Could produce some nice lunker catfish for you. Just be aware that the cats will eat other things too.

I got nice big mussels in the pond. I new I had some but wondered when I made the pond bigger if I would loose them and the fish with extreamly muddy water. Now the water is clear, I am seeing many mussle shells. I found a live few this year about the size of my hand. I read up on the threads I could find and get the feeling there good for the pond. If I am going to fertilize next year will this be good for them or will it overpopulate them or dont even worry about it.

I wouldn't worry about the mussels. If you need to fertilize to create phytoplankton, you should be helping them. I doubt that they will overpopulate. However, very few scientists really study them.