The N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife is joining fish and wildlife agencies nationwide to alert consumers about aquarium products that may be infested with invasive zebra mussels that have been found in “moss balls,” an aquarium plant product sold at aquarium and pet supply stores. Zebra mussels are regarded as one of the most destructive invasive species in North America.

A fresh water mussel, zebras can quickly take over once they get established and cause significant damage, including disrupting the food chain, changing the chemistry of the water, clogging water intake and delivery systems, and damaging boats.

The fear is, as people sometimes dump their unwanted aquarium products into fresh water lakes, streams and even sewer drains, the mussels will multiply.

Several major pet product retailers, including Petco and PetSmart, have proactively removed these products from their…