How to Identify Arkansas Freshwater Mussels

The U.S. is home to more freshwater mussel varieties than any other country in the world. Arkansas is home to 74 native species, which gives it a greater diversity of mussel species than many states west of the Mississippi. Though there are too many species to mention them all in a short article, all freshwater mussels share common characteristics. Most Arkansas freshwater mussels live buried in sand and gravel at the bottom of rivers and streams, though a few species may have adapted to live in lakes and ponds.

Things You'll Need

  • Water shoes or wading boots to protect feet from sharp objects and shells in the river.
  • Rubber gloves
  • Small spade or shovel
  • Bathing suit (optional)
  • Arkansas Mussels handbook (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Where to look

    • 1
      Shallow stream

      Find a river or stream with a shallow end and clear water. Try to see clearly to the bottom.

    • 2

      Wade into the water wearing protective boots and gloves. Look for small bubbles and disturbances on the surface of the sand or gravel. Dig just under the surface of the river bottom with a spade or shovel.

    • 3
      Mussel halves

      Look for small, 1 to 3 inch shells made mostly of hard calcium that have two halves joined by a hinge on one side. Shells might have a dark, shiny surface or may also have a light gray, creamy base with darker brown speckles. There are over seventy varieties of mussels in Arkansas, so you could see many variations on these colors.

    • 4

      Find a shell similar to one described above, pick up the mussel and look for a muscular "foot". This is a characteristic of mussels that helps keep them anchored to the river floor and protects them from predators and extreme weather.

    • 5

      If you want to identify the mussel, note its individual characteristics: shell size, shape, color and texture. Check these details in the Arkansas Mussels handbook to find its species.