Medionidus acutissimus
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.
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.
