These photographs and videos are intended to encourage interest in the freshwater pearly mussels (Unionoida) and  promote the conservation of endangered species.  Students, teachers and biologists are welcome to use the images for non-commercial educational purposes (see use policy).  

Winter raccoon kills on the Verdigris River, KS

Introduction

The rivers of North America are home to nearly 300 species of native freshwater pearly mussels.  However, the destruction of river habitats by dams, channelization, erosion and pollution has left many of these amazing mollusks on the brink of extinction.  Presently 71 native mussels are on the U.S. endangered species list.  Mussels don't have a glamorous public image like pandas or tigers, yet the more we learn more about them the more remarkable they seem.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of native mussels is their symbiosis with fish.  Females release tiny larvae called glochidia.  The glochidia must attach to the gills or fins of particular species of fish, where they remain for several days or weeks as they metamorphose into juvenile mussels.  Mussels have evolved incredible devices to lure fishes and ensure that the glochidia become attached.  The photos and videos displayed on the following pages illustrate some of these remarkable adaptations. 

Click on the photos to link to the image pages.
Links to other Internet Resources Gametes and glochidia Broken rays
Lampsilis reeveiana 		Combshells & riffleshells
Epioblasma     (new)
Black sandshell
Ligumia recta    (new) 		Villosa iris Venustaconcha Lampsilis perovalis
Ouachita kidneyshell

Fluted kidneyshell

Fusconaia

 Strophitus
 

Western fanshell

Problems

Cumberlandia

Plain pocketbook
 
Unio Gallery— Home Page http://unionid.missouristate.edu  Copyright 1998-2008 by M. C. Barnhart.  Please see Usage Policy for conditions of use of images and video.
Last revised: February 25, 2010.