Field Guide

Aquatic Invertebrates

Showing 1 - 10 of 15 results
deertoe
Deertoe
Truncilla truncata
A common mussel in some areas, deertoe have decorative green markings.
fragile papershell
Fragile Papershell
Leptodea fragilis
A widespread mussel that relies on freshwater drum as host fish for the developing young.
giant floater
Giant Floater
Pygandon grandis
When a floater dies, this large mussel with a thick shell will actually rise to the water surface and float as it decays.
lilliput
Lilliput
Toxolasma parvus
These diminutive mollusks are the smallest of Missouri’s freshwater mussels.
mucket
Mucket
Actinonaias ligamentina
One of the most widespread and numerous mussels in southern Missouri.
pink heelsplitter
Pink Heelsplitter
Potamilus alatus
A large dorsal wing and purple lining make identification of this widespread mussel easy.
plain pocketbook
Plain Pocketbook
Lampsilis cardium
The plain pocketbook is one of the most common and widespread mussels in our state. It is oval, relatively large, and occurs frequently.
wabash pigtoe
Wabash Pigtoe
Fusconaia flava
A widespread mussel that releases its larvae in tiny red packages to attract fish hosts.
pink mucket
Pink Mucket
Lampsilis abrupta
This endangered native mussel lives in flowing waters of large streams among gravel and cobble.
pond mussel
Freshwater Mussels
Bivalve molluscs in order Unionoida
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.