Listing
May 22, 1984
May 22, 1984 Listing
Review of Invertebrate Wildlife for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species; 49 FR 21664-21675
- Publication type: CNOR
Item 1
FWS Focus
Overview
Characteristics
Overview
The salamander mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua) is a species of freshwater mussel currently found in scattered populations across 14 states from New York southwest to Arkansas. The salamander mussel is a small, thin-shelled mussel that inhabits swift-flowing rivers and streams with areas of shelter under rocks or in crevices. The mussel is found in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada. The salamander mussel lives for approximately 10 years.
Scientific Name
Simpsonaias ambigua
Common Name
salamander mussel
FWS Category
Clams
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Characteristic category
Life Cycle
Characteristics
Life Cycle
Similar to other freshwater mussels, the salamander mussel has a unique life cycle that relies on a host for successful reproduction, but the salamander mussel is the only freshwater mussel in North America to use a non-fish host. The mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus), the only known host for salamander mussel, is a fully aquatic salamander species that tends to be present within the same habitat preferred by the salamander mussel during the summer and fall when female mudpuppies are guarding their nests under large flat rocks. The salamander mussel’s larvae (called glochidia) develop on the gills of the mudpuppy before falling off into the stream substrate.
Life Span
The salamander mussel lives for approximately 10 years.
Characteristic category
Habitat
Characteristics
Habitat
This mussel inhabits swift-flowing rivers and streams with areas of shelter under rocks or in crevices.
Characteristic category
Food
Characteristics
Food
Like other freshwater mussels, the salamander mussel feeds on particles, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, protozoans, detritus, and dissolved organic matter, in sediments or suspended in the water.
Characteristic category
Physical Characteristics
Characteristics
Size & Shape
The salamander mussel is a small, thin shelled species about 2 inches long.
Geography
Characteristics
Range
The salamander mussel is found across 14 U.S. States (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) and Ontario, Canada.
Timeline
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6 Items