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Harvesting the River

Genus Potamilus

Class Bivalvia : Subclass Paleoheterodonta : Genus Potamilus

Potamilus alatus (Pink Heelsplitter)
The interior of the pink heelsplitter mussel shell has pink or purple nacre that is iridescent. The pseudocardinal teeth are small, rough, and divergent. The lateral teeth are long, thin, and slightly curved. The beak cavity is shallow.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum, photograph by Karen Little
ISM Accession #: 677337

<b><i>Potamilus alatus</i> (Pink Heelsplitter)</b>

Class Bivalvia : Subclass Paleoheterodonta : Genus Potamilus

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