Ptychobranchus fasciolaris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ptychobranchus fasciolaris |
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Ptychobranchus
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fasciolaris
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The kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus fasciolaris) is a type of freshwater mussel. It belongs to the family called Unionidae, which are often known as river mussels. This special mussel gets its common name, kidneyshell, because of its unique shape.
Where the Kidneyshell Lives
This mussel naturally lives in eastern North America. You can find it in many parts of the Mississippi River system. It also lives in the rivers that flow into the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers. These areas are its natural home.
In Canada, the kidneyshell is listed as an endangered species. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever. In Canada, this mussel is only found in Ontario. It lives in the Sydenham and Ausable Rivers, and also in Lake Saint Clair. The populations of kidneyshells in the United States are much more stable than those in Canada.
How the Kidneyshell Reproduces
Like many mussels, the kidneyshell has tiny young called glochidia. These young mussels need a special host to grow. They attach to the gills, fins, or skin of a host fish. This helps them get the food they need to develop.
The Ptychobranchus fasciolaris mussel has a clever way to get its young onto a fish. It puts its glochidia inside a special package. This package is called a conglutinate. It looks a lot like a small insect larva or a tiny fish.
When a host fish tries to bite this package, the glochidia quickly attach to the fish's gills. Once attached, they can feed and grow. This amazing trick helps the young mussels survive and develop into adult kidneyshells.
