| Freshwater
Mussel
Freshwater Mussels are bivalves. This
means they have two valves (shells) hinged together
that are typically closed when you find them.
What they look like:
Mussels have thick shells. Some are oblong-shaped, while
others are rounded. They have a muscular foot that they
use to burrow into the bottom of rivers. When feeding,
a pair of siphons sticks out of the hind edge of the
shell, sorting the rubbish from the water flowing into
the shell.
Size:
From 40-150 mm across longest diameter.
Where they live:
Freshwater Mussels live on the bottom of rivers, irrigation
canals and farm dams. Some can survive extended periods
of drying out, by forming a cocoon in the mud. Mussels
with smooth shells are usually found in muddy or sandy
areas in streams or lakes. The smooth shell makes it
easier to move through mud or sand. Mussels with bumps
or knobs on their shells are found in gravel (rocks
the size of marbles) on the bottom of fast streams.
The bumps and knobs help anchor the mussel in the gravel.
What they eat:
Freshwater Mussels live on microscopic animals and plants.
They feed and breathe by sucking water through tubes,
called siphons, to filter out food particles.
Pollution
tolerance: Tolerant, rating 3.
Freshwater Mussels do not occur in badly polluted
rivers. Bivalves accumulate toxic chemicals in their
tissues, even if present in
tiny amounts. |
What’s interesting about
the Freshwater Mussel?
|
