Field Guide

Aquatic Invertebrates

Showing 31 - 40 of 40 results
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.
Zebra Mussel
Zebra Mussel
Dreissena polymorpha
Zebra mussels are named for their shells, which have alternating light and dark bands. They are a highly invasive nonnative species. Learn how to prevent their spread.
Photograph of Ebonyshell freshwater mussel shell exterior view
Ebonyshell
Fusconaia ebena
At one time the most valuable shell to the commercial button industry, the ebonyshell is now classified as endangered in Missouri and is a candidate for federal endangered status.
Photograph of Purple Wartyback freshwater mussel shell exterior view
Purple Wartyback (Purple Pimpleback)
Cyclonaias tuberculata
Before buttons were made of plastic, they were made of shell. Because only white buttons were in demand, the coppery-purple shell of this species made it worthless for the button industry.
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.
Fingernail clam in a person’s hand
Fingernail Clams
Pisidium, Sphaerium, and Musculium spp.
Fingernail clams, also called pill clams or pea clams, are members of a family of small to tiny freshwater clams that are common but rarely noticed. They occur in a variety of aquatic habitats.
Two pairs of Asian clam shells, still hinged together, showing exterior and interior
Asian Clam
Corbicula fluminea
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.
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.