Aquatic Invertebrates
Media
![Two pairs of Asian clam shells, still hinged together, showing exterior and interior](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/2021-06/Asian_clam_banner_5-26-21.jpg?itok=HUGOTE0t)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Corbicula fluminea
Description
The Asian clam is a nonnative, invasive species that lives in a variety of aquatic habitats. It has thick shells with distinctly ridged, concentric rings and a yellowish-brown to dark brown shell covering.
Media
![pond mussel](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2010/06/pond_mussel.jpg?itok=prXh423n)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Bivalve molluscs in order Unionoida
Description
Secretive and seldom seen, freshwater mussels are extraordinarily diverse in Missouri. We have nearly 70 species within our borders. Many are declining, and several are endangered.
See Also
About Aquatic Invertebrates in Missouri
Missouri's streams, lakes, and other aquatic habitats hold thousands of kinds of invertebrates — worms, freshwater mussels, snails, crayfish, insects, and other animals without backbones. These creatures are vital links in the aquatic food chain, and their presence and numbers tell us a lot about water quality.