The zebra mussel is native to the Caspian, Black, and Azov Seas of Asia. This species invaded into Europe in the 18th century.

Zebra mussel was first found in the Great Lakes in 1988. It was accidentally introduced with discharged ballast water. It has now spread throughout much of the northeastern U.S. and parts of the Mississippi River drainage.

Zebra mussels can live in freshwater or saltwater.

These mussels can attach to the bottoms of boats. They can be accidentally transported from one body of water to another in this way.