Pleurobema georgianum
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_pigtoe
Overview
The southern pigtoe is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.
The Southern Pigtoe faces severe threats from dam construction and river channelization that have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial pollution has further compromised the species' survival. Sedimentation from land-use changes buries the substrate where these mussels filter-feed and reproduce, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and attach to native shells.
Habitat
The Southern Pigtoe inhabits flowing waters of medium to large rivers with stable gravel, sand, and mud substrates. This freshwater mussel requires clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate to swift currents in the southeastern United States river systems.
