The dreaded Zebra mussel (photo), which was first discovered by naturalist Peter Pallas in 1771, giving it the biological name of 'Dreissena polymorpha', appears to have arrived near Buñol on the banks of the Magro river.

This bi-valve mollusc, that was first discovered in the Black and Caspian Seas, is 'Attila The Hun' as far as mussels go, as it destroys all other mussel species in the same water and equally causes a considerable effect on the water itself by an increase of organic matter.

These invaders, that destroy everything in their path, also manage to clog up drains and pipes that get in their way.

The arrival of the Zebra Mussel "is the worst possible news for the Valencian mussel industry," according to insiders.