Amblema neislerii
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblema_neislerii
Overview
Amblema neislerii, the fat threeridge, is a freshwater mussel native to the rivers in southern Georgia and Florida. It belongs to the family Unionidae. It resides in shallow rivers in the muddy and sandy bottom of the river beds.
It was named an endangered species in 1998 by state and federal agencies and it is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The mussel is usually less than four inches in length and also in its width. It possesses a dark brown to black outer shell.
Its inner shell is bluish white to purple with an iridescent appearance. The shell is unique to mussels being inflated and also possessing approximately seven to nine prominent parallel ridges.
Amblema neislerii faces severe population decline 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 introduced excessive sedimentation and chemical pollutants into its river systems, while invasive zebra mussels compete directly for food resources and attachment sites.
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 moderate to swift currents and depends on specific fish hosts for larval development.
Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE
Threatened in United States
Frequently asked questions
Why is Amblema neislerii classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Amblema neislerii live?
What are the main threats to Amblema neislerii?
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