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In this group of eastern elliptios (Elliptio
complanata), the incurrent siphon (the siphon the mussel
uses to draw water) is most visible on the centre mussel. The siphon
has hair-like papillae to detect particles in the water that are
undesirable or too large. The mussel shuts quickly to eject such
particles. A second siphon, at the top of the shell, expels the
filtered water.
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Sampling native freshwater mussels in Mooneys Bay.
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During an inventory mussels are taken from the River, then quickly sorted, counted and returned.
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A floater (a species of Pyganodon),
filtering water.
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Glochidia (larvae) of a floater (a species
of Pyganodon), seen through a microscope.
Note the small hook that the glochidia use to attach themselves
to the fins or gills of their fish host.
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Eastern elliptio, Elliptio
complanata.
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Eastern lampmussel, Lampsilis
radiata.
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Eastern floater, Pyganodon
cataracta.
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Fluted shell, Lasmigona
costata.
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