Amblema neislerii
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblema_neislerii
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
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.
