Fatmucket
ExploreInvertebrate
Fatmucket
Lampsilis siliquoidea
The Fatmucket is a special kind of clam that lives in rivers and lakes. It has a smooth, shiny shell and helps keep the water clean by filtering it.
Habitat: Freshwater lakes and rivers
Appearance
The Fatmucket has a smooth, oval-shaped shell, typically yellowish, light brown, or greenish. Its inner shell is pearly white, making it distinct from many darker-shelled mussels. The shell's shape can vary slightly, appearing more inflated in some areas.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderUnionidaFamilyUnionidaeGenusLampsilis
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Fatmuckets have a powerful muscular foot that lets them slowly 'walk' along the river bottom!
Its babies must latch onto a fish's gills or fins for a short ride to grow big enough!
Scientists can tell how old a Fatmucket is by counting growth rings on its shell, like a tree!
They can survive many years buried in the riverbed, often living longer than many pets!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Purifier
Fatmucket can clean its watery home by filtering tiny food particles, helping keep the water clear and healthy.
Ability
Fish Lurer
Fatmucket has a special mantle flap that wiggles like a tiny fish to trick larger fish into coming closer.
Ability
Sediment Seeker
Fatmucket can burrow into the riverbed using its muscular foot, staying safe from predators and strong currents.
Measurements & details
- Length Cm
- 7-12 cm
- Weight G
- 40-100 g
- Lifespan Years
- 10-20 years
Diet & Feeding
Fatmuckets are filter-feeders, eating tiny food particles strained from the water.
Primary Foods
- algae
- detritus
- bacteria
- plankton
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
preys on mussels in shallow waters
eaten by
Muskrat
Ondatra zibethicus
cracks open shells to eat the soft mussel
depends on
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
provides a host for mussel larvae to develop
depends on
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
allows mussel larvae to attach to its gills
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
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.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after playing near water to stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Fatmucket?
7-12 cm
How much does Fatmucket weigh?
40-100 g
How long does Fatmucket live?
10-20 years
What does Fatmucket eat?
Fatmuckets are filter-feeders, eating tiny food particles strained from the water.
Where is Fatmucket usually found?
Freshwater lakes and rivers
How does Fatmucket hunt?
Filter Feeding
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