Eastern Elliptio
ExploreInvertebrate
Eastern Elliptio
elliptio complanata
The Eastern Elliptio is a type of freshwater mussel that can be found in rivers and streams. They help keep the water clean by filtering out tiny particles!
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and streams
Appearance
The Eastern Elliptio has a flattened, elongated oval shell that's usually dark brown, black, or greenish-brown. It often shows faint growth rings. Its shape is more compressed and less inflated than many other freshwater mussels.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderUnionidaFamilyUnionidaeGenusElliptio
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The inside of their shells can be a beautiful pearly white, sometimes even purple!
Their shells grow a new ring each year, like the rings on a tree trunk!
These mussels don't have eyes or a brain, but they can still sense their world!
They can pull themselves slowly along the bottom using just one strong muscular foot!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Purifier
Eastern Elliptio can clean water by constantly filtering out tiny particles because their gills act like a natural sieve, helping them find food.
Ability
River Drifter
Eastern Elliptio has larvae that can hitch a ride on fish gills that helps them travel to new places and spread out in the river.
Ability
Shell Seal
Eastern Elliptio can tightly close its two strong shells that helps them protect against predators and survive dry periods.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 7 cm
- Lifespan
- 10 years
Diet & Feeding
They filter tiny bits of algae and bacteria from the water for food.
Primary Foods
- algae
- bacteria
- detritus
- plankton
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Filter Feeder
Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
Common ElliptioEastern Mud MusselElliptio mussel
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eastern Elliptio?
7 cm
How long does Eastern Elliptio live?
10 years
What does Eastern Elliptio eat?
They filter tiny bits of algae and bacteria from the water for food.
Where is Eastern Elliptio usually found?
Freshwater rivers and streams
How does Eastern Elliptio hunt?
Filter Feeding
Snap Map
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