SPORTSMANS CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

These  freshwater bivalves live in the  Sportsman Creek. They burrow under the sand and feed and breathe by sucking water through tubes called siphons which filter out microscopic animal and plant species.  Many live 20-30 years and can tolerate extended dry periods. By counting the ridges or (year stripes) on it’s shell can tell the age.

Pollution Tolerance; Tolerant, rating 3.

Freshwater mussels do not occur in badly polluted water. As bivalves accumulate toxic chemicals in their tissues, even if present in tiny amounts.