# Fragile Papershell (*Potamilus fragilis*) The Fragile Papershell is a special kind of freshwater mussel that lives in rivers and lakes. It has a smooth, thin shell that can be light-colored and is very delicate, making it unique among its friends in the water. - **Category:** [Invertebrate](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/invertebrate) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Freshwater rivers and lakes ![Fragile Papershell](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Leptodea_fragilis_-_Royal_Ontario_Museum_-_DSC00196.JPG&width=800) Photo: Daderot, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leptodea_fragilis_-_Royal_Ontario_Museum_-_DSC00196.JPG) ## Appearance The Fragile Papershell has a thin, oval shell that is smooth and often greenish-yellow to light brown. Its delicate, papery texture distinguishes it from most other freshwater mussels, which typically have much thicker, heavier shells. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Mollusca - **Class:** Bivalvia - **Order:** Unionida - **Family:** Unionidae - **Genus:** Potamilus ## Interesting facts - A single Fragile Papershell can filter many gallons of water every day! - The Fragile Papershell is so delicate that its shell can break easily if dropped! - Their babies need to hitch a ride on a fish's gills to grow up! - These mussels can live for over 15 years, quietly cleaning the water. ## Special abilities - **Hidden Burrower:** Fragile Papershell can burrow into soft river sediment using its strong, muscular foot to hide from predators. - **Water Purifier:** Fragile Papershell has specialized gills that help them filter tiny food particles from water, keeping rivers clean and clear. - **Fish Lurer:** Fragile Papershell can wiggle a special mantle flap that looks like a small fish, attracting bigger fish to approach them. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 12 cm - **Size:** 6 cm - **Size:** 1 mm - **Lifespan:** 15 years ## Diet & Feeding They filter tiny bits of algae and other small particles from the water to eat. - **Primary Foods:** Algae, Bacteria, Detritus, Phytoplankton - **Foraging Method:** Filter feeding ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** [Largemouth Bass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/largemouth-bass) (*Micropterus salmoides*) — Its larvae briefly attach to the gills of this fish. - **Eaten by:** [Muskrat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/muskrat) (*Ondatra zibethicus*) — Muskrats are a significant predator, eating many mussels. - **Eaten by:** [Raccoon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raccoon) (*Procyon lotor*) — Raccoons often forage for mussels in shallow waters. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Filter Feeder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/filter-feeder): Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Mollusks](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mollusks) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be careful when exploring near water; slippery rocks can be dangerous! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Fragile Papershell? Compare body symmetry, shells, segments, legs, tentacles and how the animal moves. Invertebrates span many unrelated groups, so start with body structure. Invertebrate Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Fragile Papershell? 12 cm ### How big is Fragile Papershell? 6 cm ### How long does Fragile Papershell live? 15 years ### What does Fragile Papershell eat? They filter tiny bits of algae and other small particles from the water to eat. ### Where is Fragile Papershell usually found? Freshwater rivers and lakes ### How does Fragile Papershell hunt? Filter feeding ## Where to spot - [Gitchie Manitou State Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gitchie-manitou-state-preserve) — Iowa, US · Nature Reserve - [Robert Allerton Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/robert-allerton-park) — Illinois, US · Botanical Garden ## More Invertebrate - [Coral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coral) - [Crab Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/crab-spider) (*Mecaphesa asperata*) - [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Araneus diadematus*) - [Brown Recluse Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-recluse-spider) (*Loxosceles reclusa*) --- Source: [Fragile Papershell: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fragile-papershell)