The genome of the invasive quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis

The quagga mussel genome was sequenced to investigate the molecular basis for freshwater tolerance during embryogenesis. The quagga mussel is a highly successful invasive pest of freshwater habitats and is considered one of the most ecologically and economically disruptive species globally. One of the keys to the success of this species is its long pelagic dispersal time that has allowed it to spread rapidly through colonised environments. Here we sought to investigate the molecular basis of the quagga mussel's freshwater tolerance during its most vulnerable early stages of development.