Freshwater mussels that have smooth shells are usually found in muddy or sandy areas in streams or lakes. The smooth shell makes it easier for the freshwater mussel to move through the mud or sand in streams or lakes.
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This is the yellow sandshell. The yellow sandshell has a smooth shell and lives slow moving water of streams and lakes in sand. |
Freshwater mussels that have bumps or knobs on their shells are usually found in gravel (rocks the size of marbles) on the bottom of streams with fast moving water. The bumps and knobs help anchor the freshwater mussel in the gravel. Without the bumps and knobs the freshwater mussel might be swept down stream by the swift water.
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This is the monkeyface freshwater mussel. The monkeyface has a rough shell and lives in streams with gravel and cobble. |
