Lasmigona decorata
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_heelsplitter
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Lasmigona decorata faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and urban development in its watershed. Dam construction and water diversions have altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction and juvenile recruitment. Sedimentation from erosion has degraded the clean gravel substrates this species requires for filter feeding and spawning.
Habitat
This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, flowing rivers and streams with stable gravel and sand substrates. It requires well-oxygenated waters with minimal sedimentation and depends on specific fish hosts for larval development.
