A Pocketbook Mussel

A pocketbook mussel (Lampsilis cardium). Native freshwater mussels are among the most fascinating, widespread, and endangered animals in fresh waters. They play important ecological roles in our lakes and rivers and their shells are used to produce cultured pearls. Mussels are threatened by changes in flow patterns within rivers caused by dams, dikes, and levees; by sediment increases in rivers and streams; and by invasive species, such as zebra mussels and Asian carps, that compete with mussels for food. Rising water temperatures and drought that may result from climate change have the potential to adversely affect the health and valuable services of mussel populations even more.