Unio tumidiformis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Unio tumidiformis faces severe population decline primarily due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge, which degrades water quality in its freshwater habitats. Dam construction and river channelization have fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. The species is also threatened by invasive zebra mussels that compete for resources and attach to native shells, potentially suffocating individuals.
Habitat
This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, well-oxygenated rivers and streams with sandy or gravelly substrates. It requires stable water flow and good water quality to filter-feed on plankton and organic particles.
