Sheepnose Mussel
by: Dylan Houser
Ecosystem Description and Location
Sheepnose mussels are found in large rivers and streams usually in shallow areas. Some States the mussels are located in include Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Life Cycle
Sheepnose Mussel can live for several Decades and possibly 100 to 200 years. Sheepnose Mussels are now considered to be endangered according to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.
Characteristics
Sheepnose Mussels are medium sized mussels that can grow up to about five inches long. Some of these mussels can even grow to nine inches long depending how long they live.
Food Sources
Sheepnose Mussels are suspension-feeders which means that they feed on algae, bacteria, detritus, and other microscopic organisms that are in the water.
Natural Predators
Natural Predators include dams, small sheepnose populations and fragmentation, sedimentation, pollution, and channelization.
Contributions to Ecosystem
Sheepnose Mussels contribute to the ecosystem by filtering water. One adult mussel can filter more than 18 gallons of water per day.