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  Freshwater Mussels

Freshwater mussels are bivalved mollusks (Phylum Mollusca, Class Bivalvia) distantly related to marine clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops. They have soft inner bodies and hard outer shells consisting of two valves. Historically, North America had the richest fauna of freshwater mussels in the world. Biologists have discovered nearly 300 species of mussels living in the United States, most of which occupy streams and lakes east of the Rocky Mountains. Prehistoric American Indians ate the soft tissues and used the lustrous shells for making tools and ornaments. Historically, the shells have been prized as raw material for manufacturing buttons and cultured pearls.

Species of Freshwater Mussels found in the Illinois River include:
Ebony Shell
Fat Mucket
Giant Floater
Mucket
Pimpleback
Pistol Grip
Purple Wartyback
Spike
Threeridge
Wabash Pigtoe
Washboard
White Heelsplitter
Yellow Sandshell
Zebra Mussel

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Harvesting
(-)Harvesting Subjects
    Harvest Introduction
    (-)Fish
        Introduction
        Fish Species
        Fishing Industry
        Tools and Techniques
    (-)Waterfowl
        Introduction
        Waterfowl Species
        Hunting Industry
        Tools and Techniques
    (-)Mussels
        Introduction
        Fresh Water Mussel Species
        Musseling Industry
        Tools and Techniques
    (-)Ice
        Introduction
        Natural Ice
        Commercial Ice
        Tools
        Ice Harvesting
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