Lampsilis cardium

Lampsilis cardium
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
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.

Lampsilis cardium displaying a mantle lure in the Potomac River.

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 predatory fish, especially Micropterus coosae , the mussel larvae are released into the gills of the host fish, where they feed and develop. ^{[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.