Anodonta sp.
• Widely distributed from Baja California (Mexico) to Alaska
• Generally west of Rocky Mountains
• Great uncertainty about species identification
• 2 main clades (groups) of species are distinguished by the shape of the shell
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Unionida |
| Family: | Unionidae |
Identification Tips:
• To 20 cm length, but 10-15 cm common
• Shells are thin and fragile
• No tooth on inside of shell at hinge
• Usually brownish in colour in Fraser Valley
• White fleshy nacre visible on shell margin when open
• 'Wing' at hinge may be present
Clade 1: Ratio of length to height of shell is less than 1.5
Clade 2: Ratio of length to height of shell is greater than 1.5
Life History:
• Rapid growing
• Sexually mature in 4 to 5 years
• Short-lived (10-15 years) compared to most mussels
• Found in high densities in mud or sand bottoms of lakes, ponds and slow moving streams
• Can occur in protected sites within fast rivers
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | Some | |||
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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.
