MUSSELS

Freshwater Mussels

Freshwater Mussels are a vital part of the Minnesotan ecosystem, purifying water, providing a food surce, and preventing erosion. And they are in serious trouble.

The Importance of Mussels

Mussels are a natural filter system that are vital to our many lakes, rivers, and ponds. In addition, mussels are a keysone species that we rely on for all of our marine ecosystems.

Mussel Biology

Mussels, besides being a vital part of the Minnesotan ecosystem, have many fascinating processes that we can learn from. Minnesota has over 48 different species with unique names, functions, and colors, each deserving further research and study. But of out of those 48, 28 are critically endangered from pollution, alterations to currents, and introductions of invasive species. Freshwater mussels are mollusks, and are related to snails, slugs, and octopuses.More specifically, they are bivalves, members of the Class Bivalvia, a very large group of marine and freshwater mollusks that have two “valves” held together by an stretchy hinge. Freshwater mussels are ironically referred to as “clams” by the science community, but are also known as, more accurately as “unionids.” They are similar in many ways to better-known saltwater mollusks, such as oysters and scallops, which are tasty, whereas fresh water mollusks are our friends, and we don't eat our friends.