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Freshwater
mussels (also called clams) live for a very long time. In some species
individuals commonly reach 50 years of age while in others individuals
often reach 100! No centenarians live in the Rideau River, but they
are found in other rivers in Canada. |
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Eastern lampmussel, Lampsilis
radiata (centre).
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Native
freshwater mussels reach sexual maturity at ages ranging from 6 to
10 years. |
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Because
native freshwater mussels are not mobile, finding a mate can be difficult.
Male mussels release sperm into the water, whence female mussels filter
it for fertilizing their eggs. |
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Floaters (species of Pyganodon)
encysted in the dorsal fin of a fish.
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Females
brood the eggs until the larval stage, wherein the young are called
glochidia. The
glochidia encyst
in the fish's tissue, where they are nourished and protected until
they can live independently. |
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For
completion of the reproductive cycle native mussels require the help
of a fish host. For some mussel species, only one fish species is
suitable. For example, the eastern elliptio uses fish in the sunfish
family as a host, the pocketbook uses largemouth bass, and the floater
uses carp or white suckers. Some species of mussels even have an appendage
that acts as a lure for the fish host. |
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previous page
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Mussels to go - ready for identifying by researchers,
not for eating!
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No. Remember that mussels act as a filter. Their tissues take up
and concentrate any heavy metals, contaminants, and pesticides present
in the water, sometimes up to 50-years'-worth!
Mussel tissue is therefore a good indicator
of the water quality, but it is not suitable for consumption. This
is probably true of the mussels of the Rideau River. Avoiding contributing
to the decline of the freshwater mussel populations is another good
reason not to eat them.
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