SPECIES ID / Invertebrates

Mussels

s'óx̱we

• Have 2 shell halves joined at a hinge

• Hold shells slightly open with sipons protruding to filter feed

• Larvae are parasitic on fish gills, which allows them to colonize new areas

• Adults may live for many decades

• Most types are sensitive to pollution

• Many freshwater mussels are in decline or already endangered

Asian Clam

Fingernail Clams

Floaters

Western Pearlshell

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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.