Painter's mussel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Painter's mussel
Left valve of a brown shell
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Bivalvia
Order:	Unionida
Family:	Unionidae
Genus:	Unio
Species:	U. pictorum
Binomial name
Unio pictorum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Distribution of Unio pictorum in Europe.
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Internal view of both valves

The Painter's mussel, also known as Unio pictorum, is a type of freshwater mussel. It's a medium-sized aquatic creature with two shells, like a clam. These mussels are part of the Unionidae family, which are often called river mussels.

This interesting species lives in many parts of Europe. It got its unique name, the "painter's mussel," because its shell was historically used by artists. The shell is just the right size and shape to hold paint, making it a handy little palette!

Some different types of Painter's mussels have existed over time. A few of these types are now extinct.

Where Painter's Mussels Live

Painter's mussels are found in various places across Europe and even in Siberia (Russia). They prefer to live in calm water bodies and slower-moving streams.

Here are some of the countries where you can find them:

• Croatia
• Czech Republic: In the Czech Republic, they are considered a least concern species. However, they are listed as "Critically Threatened" under a special Czech law.
• Slovakia: They are not currently on any red lists in Slovakia.
• Estonia: Here, they are quite common.
• Germany: In Germany, they are considered an endangered species. They are also listed as specially protected.
• Netherlands: They are common in the Netherlands.
• Serbia
• Russia
• Sweden: They are not super common in Sweden, but you can find them in scattered areas.
• British Isles: You can mostly find them in England.