The oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) is a rare species of freshwater mussel in the family Unionidae. This aquatic bivalve mollusk is native to Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Virginia in the United States. It has been extirpated from the states of Georgia and North Carolina. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.
This mussel was once widely distributed and common in the Cumberland and Tennessee River drainages, including many tributaries. It has declined 80% from its historical abundance. It is now extirpated from the Cumberland River system and the main artery of the Tennessee River. It remains in the Nolichucky River of Tennessee and the Clinch River in Tennessee and Virginia. Specimens remaining in the Duck River in Tennessee are likely members of a different species.
Like other freshwater mussels, this species reproduces by releasing its larvae, termed glochidia, which lodge in the gills of fish to develop into juvenile mussels. Host fish species for this mussel include wounded darter (Etheostoma vulneratum), redline darter (E. rufilineatum), bluebreast darter (Etheostoma camarum), dusky darter (Percina sciera), banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae), black sculpin (Cottus baileyi), and mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi).
The main threat to this species is habitat alteration such as channelization and impoundments of waterways, increased silt, and pollution.
This mussel is propagated in captivity. Many juveniles have been released into appropriate habitat.
Famous quotes containing the word oyster:
“From the oyster to the eagle, from the swine to the tiger, all animals are to be found in men and each of them exists in some man, sometimes several at the time. Animals are nothing but the portrayal of our virtues and vices made manifest to our eyes, the visible reflections of our souls. God displays them to us to give us food for thought.”
—Victor Hugo (1802–1885)