Medionidus simpsonianus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochlockonee_moccasinshell
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Medionidus simpsonianus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization throughout its historic range in southeastern United States river systems. Water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial pollution has further compromised the species' survival by reducing oxygen levels and increasing sedimentation. The mussel's dependence on specific fish hosts for larval development makes it particularly vulnerable to declining fish populations caused by habitat fragmentation and altered flow regimes.
Habitat
This freshwater mussel inhabits flowing waters of medium to large rivers with stable gravel, sand, and mud substrates in the southeastern United States. It requires well-oxygenated water with moderate current flow and depends on specific fish species as hosts for its larval stage.
