Field Guide

Aquatic Invertebrates

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
brokenray
Arkansas Brokenray
Lampsilis reeveiana
The Arkansas brokenray only occurs in streams that flow south off of the Salem and Springfield plateaus, so it is found only in about the southern quarter of Missouri.
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.
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.
round pigtoe
Round Pigtoe
Pleurobema sintoxia
Round pigtoes are more rounded than Wabash pigtoes. Usually, the nacre (the shell lining) is white, but in rare individuals it is bright pink.
wabash pigtoe
Wabash Pigtoe
Fusconaia flava
A widespread mussel that releases its larvae in tiny red packages to attract fish hosts.
elephantear mussel half-buried in a gravel substrate
Elephantear
Elliptio crassidens
Today found only in the Meramec River, the elephantear has been classified as endangered in Missouri and is a candidate for federal endangered status.
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.
Photograph of Sheepnose freshwater mussel shell exterior view
Sheepnose (Bullhead)
Plethobasus cyphyus
The sheepnose has been classified as endangered in Missouri and is a candidate for federal endangered status.
elktoe
Elktoe
Alasmidonta marginata
The elktoe is one of many Missouri mussels with a declining population.
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.