Physunio ferrugineus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Physunio ferrugineus faces severe population decline primarily due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge, which degrades water quality in its freshwater mussel habitats. Dam construction and river channelization have fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Sedimentation from land-use changes has buried suitable substrate areas where this species filters nutrients from the water column.
Habitat
This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, flowing rivers and streams with sandy or gravelly substrates where it can burrow and filter-feed. It requires well-oxygenated waters with stable flow patterns and minimal sedimentation to maintain viable populations.
