Pink Papershell
ExploreInvertebrate
Pink Papershell
Potamilus ohiensis
The Pink Papershell is a special freshwater mussel with a beautiful pink shell. These little creatures help keep rivers clean by filtering water and are important for their homes in rivers and lakes.
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Pink Papershell has a delicate, oval shell that is smooth and thin, often appearing pale pink or yellowish. Its fragile nature and subtle color distinguish it from many other freshwater mussels.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderUnionidaFamilyUnionidaeGenusPotamilus
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its larvae are so tiny, they're like invisible hitchhikers on fish!
Some shells have beautiful iridescent mother-of-pearl on the inside.
They help create tiny habitats for bugs living on the river bottom.
This mussel is a 'living filter,' helping keep rivers healthy for other animals!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Purifier
Pink Papershell can filter water through its siphons, removing tiny particles and cleaning its environment.
Ability
Fishy Ferry
Pink Papershell's larvae (glochidia) attach to fish gills, allowing them to travel far upstream or downstream.
Ability
Mud Mover
Pink Papershell has a strong muscular foot that helps it slowly burrow into the soft riverbed for safety.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 8 cm
- Weight
- 75 g
- Lifespan
- 15 years
Diet & Feeding
Eats tiny bits of food filtered from the water.
Primary Foods
- algae
- phytoplankton
- bacteria
- detritus
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
eats
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
They dig mussels from shallow water at night.
eats
Muskrat
Ondatra zibethicus
Muskrats are skilled at opening mussel shells.
depends on
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
Its young (glochidia) temporarily attach to the gills of this fish.
depends on
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
The mussel's larvae use Bluegill as a temporary host to develop.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful near water and always ask an adult before touching anything in the river.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Pink Papershell?
8 cm
How much does Pink Papershell weigh?
75 g
How long does Pink Papershell live?
15 years
What does Pink Papershell eat?
Eats tiny bits of food filtered from the water.
Where is Pink Papershell usually found?
Freshwater rivers and lakes
How does Pink Papershell hunt?
Filter Feeding
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