Medionidus acutissimus
EN

Medionidus acutissimus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medionidus_acutissimus

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Medionidus acutissimus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and water diversions that alter natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Agricultural runoff and urban development have increased sedimentation and pollution in its river systems, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and alter benthic communities. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, flowing rivers and streams with stable gravel and sand substrates in the southeastern United States. It requires well-oxygenated waters with specific flow conditions and depends on fish hosts for larval development.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

VU

Brazzaea anceyi

Unknown
Lampsilis higginsiiEN

Lampsilis higginsii

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CR

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Elliptio nigella

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EN

Triangle Pigtoe

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Polyodon spathula

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Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

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Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Medionidus acutissimus classified as Endangered?
Medionidus acutissimus is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Medionidus acutissimus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and water diversions that alter natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Agricultural runoff and urban development have increased sedimentation and pollution in its river systems, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and alter benthic communities. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.
Where does Medionidus acutissimus live?
Medionidus acutissimus occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Medionidus acutissimus?
The main threats to Medionidus acutissimus are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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