Top Level : Harvesting : Mussels : Mussel Species

The Washboard, Megalonaias nervosa (Rafinesque, 1820), remains a preferred species for use as the nucleus for culturing pearls in Japan, although it is currently unlawful to harvest it commercially in the Illinois or Mississippi Rivers. (Conservation status: Currently stable).
Illinois State Museum Collection (ISM-676639)

Photograph by Robert E. Warren, Illinois State Museum.

The <b>Washboard</b>, <i>Megalonaias nervosa</i> (Rafinesque, 1820), remains a preferred species for use as the nucleus for culturing pearls in Japan, although it is currently unlawful to harvest it commercially in the Illinois or Mississippi Rivers. (Conservation status: Currently stable).<br>Illinois State Museum Collection (ISM-676639)