Lampsilis cardium

Lampsilis cardium
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Bivalvia
Order:	Unionida
Family:	Unionidae
Genus:	Lampsilis
Species:	L. cardium
Binomial name
Lampsilis cardium Rafinesque, 1820

Lampsilis cardium is a species of freshwater mussel in the family Unionidae, the river mussels. It is known commonly as the plain pocketbook.[2] It is widespread in eastern North America, where it is native to the Mississippi River and Great Lakes drainage systems.

Reproduction

All Unionidae are known to use the gills, fins, or skin of a host fish for nutrients during the larval glochidia stage. Lampsilis cardium accomplishes this by having the inner sides of its mantle flaps marked with longitudinal stripes, resembling a small fish of the genus Notropis. When these are attacked and ruptured by a striking predator fish, especially Micropterus coosae, the mussel larva is released into the gills of the host fish where it feeds and develops.[2][3]

References

1. Bogan, A.E.; Seddon, M.B.; Woolnough, D. (2017). "Lampsilis cardium". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T11253A62905411. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T11253A62905411.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
2. Plain pocketbook, Lampsilis cardium. Unio Gallery. Missouri State University.
3. Haag, Wendell R.; Warren Jr., Melvin L. (1999). "Mantle displays of freshwater mussels elicit attacks from fish". Freshwater Biology. 42: 35–40. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2427.1999.00454.x.