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Freshwater Mussels: Life of a “living rock” |
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Freshwater mussels are found around the world in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. There are approximately 1,000 freshwater mussel species worldwide and North America is home to almost 300 of these species. Unfortunately, 70 of North America’s freshwater mussels are either endangered or threatened, and several species have already gone extinct. Threats to their survival come from a variety of sources such as; loss of habitat, water degradation and impoundments. Freshwater mussels play an important role in the ecosystem. They provide ecological services in water clarification, nutrient recycling and being a food source for other organisms. Mussels are filter-feeders, meaning they pass water over their gills filtering out particles that can be ingested. As a result, they remove not only organic food particles but also inorganic compounds, some of which can be toxic to the mussel. Freshwater mussels have a unique system of reproduction. Male mussels broadcast their sperm into the water column where it must be filtered out by the female. The female then uses the sperm to fertilize her eggs, which develop into larvae called glochidia. Glochidia are held in a specialized compartment of the female’s gill (marsupium) to await release. Glochidia must attach to the gills, fins or scales of a fish host (some mussel species use salamanders or frogs) in order to transform into a juvenile mussel. Once the transformation is complete, the juvenile will drop off the host, hopefully onto a suitable substrate to start the cycle all over again. |
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences 106 Cheatham Hall (0321) Blacksburg, VA 24073 barkleyj@vt.edu |
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Last Updated 02 July, 2010 Copyright © 2010 Joyce Barkley |
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Time series showing effectiveness of 9 Elliptio complanata helping to filter floating sediment from the water column. Start time 9:00 am, ending time 5:00 pm. Photos: Jess Jones, USFWS |
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Dissertation Committee Members: Major Advisors: Committee Members:
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