Identification
- Small freshwater mussel (reaching ~70 mm)
- Yellowish – brownish-black, kidney bean shaped shell with greenish-coloured rays (may not be visible due to erosion of shell)
- Cantaloupe-coloured foot
Significance
- Filters water, indicator of water quality
- Used as fishing bait
- Shells historically used for buttons and other decorative items
Status
- Threatened under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act in 2013
- Special Concern COSEWIC in 2009
- Special Concern under Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2013
Threats
- Water pollution
- Habitat degradation from agricultural, forestry, and residential development
- Invasive species
- In-stream activities such as construction, off-highway vehicle stream crossings, human or livestock trampling
ANATOMY
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