''Fusconaia flava'', the Wabash pigtoe, is a freshwater mussel in the family

Unionidae The Unionidae are a family of freshwater mussels, the largest in the order Unionida, the bivalve molluscs sometimes known as river mussels, or simply as unionids. The range of distribution for this family is world-wide. It is at its most diverse ...

Description

The shell is divided into two valves that are hinged. ''Fusconaia flava'' shell is thick and can be compressed or inflated, has a triangular to an elongate triangle shape. Nacre (the inside layer of the shell) is white, but sometimes the nacre can be pink or salmon color.

Life cycle

''Fusconaia flava'' males release sperm and the females collect the sperm through the incurrent siphon. The eggs are fertilized internally. ''Fusconaia flava'' has a parasitic larva stage called glochidia, the mussels use a lure to attract fish and then release the glochidia when the fish is close enough. The glochidia latch onto the gills or fins of the fish and remain there feeding of the blood of the fish until the glochidia reach the juvenile stage. Known host species for ''Fusconaia flava'' include silver shiner ('' Notropis photogenis'') and creek chub (''

Semotilus atromaculatus ''Semotilus atromaculatus'', known as the creek chub or the common creek chub, is a small minnow, a freshwater fish found in the eastern US and Canada. Differing in size and color depending on origin of development, the creek chub can usually be ...

''). Parent mussel provides no care once the glochidia are released. Fusconaia flava are filter feeders, waste is released through the excurrent siphon. They are sedentary creatures and are anchored to the substrate or buried in the substrate.

Habitat

''Fusconaia flava'' can be found in lotic habitat anywhere from small streams to large rivers, and can handle various types of substrate including mud, sand, or gravel. Although ''Fusconaia flava'' is of least conservation concern, nineteen percent of Kentucky mussels have become extinct or extirpated from Kentucky due to habitat loss.

References

* *O'Dee, S., and Watters, T., (1998) New or Confirmed Host Identifications for Ten Freshwater Mussels. Conservation, Captive Care, and Propagation of Freshwater Mussels Symposium. Pages 77-82 {{Taxonbar, from=Q3789884 flava