http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/bb/documents/bb-17.pdf

Sounds like they are too good at controlling algae. The bad thing about them is the way they multiply and spread. If you were to use them, make sure none can escape. In my pond, it probably wouldn't be long before they ruined my equipment, such as the pump by blocking the water flow burning it up. I personally wouldn't introduce them.

I agree with Hardin. Zebra mussels are one of the most insideous noxious pests of the Adirondack Mountain lakes. I would steer clear of them.

However, if you do want to have them, check with your local county extension office or wildlife department to see if it would be legal to keep them.

You do NOT want zebra mussels!!!! They have recently moved into Lake Champlain and are a major problem. They will completely colonize your pond .... EVERYWHERE! This means they will encrust the inside of the pipe you probably have going from your pump to waterfall/inlet. They will cover every submerged surface. How do you think you will clean things up when (not if) they get out of hand? You will have to probably replace your return line at least every other year. Everything the above posts have said...multiply it by a factor of ten! You will not believe the problems they will cause. Enjoy the algae! It, at least, won't cost you nearly as much.
---David

And lets just call this hypothetical as I think it was illegal... Didn't live. Either they need faster moving water, cooler temps, something... I suspect it was the temps. I'm in Michigan (pond about 5000 gal) but the water still gets warm in the summer. no name....

I know i am late on this forum, but a good native species that likes to chow down on zebra mussels is the blue catfish, which is native to much of the U.S. Read the last two paragraphs of the article below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blue Catfish