Rock-pocketbook
ExploreInvertebrate
Rock-pocketbook
Arcidens confragosus
The Rock-pocketbook is a special kind of clam that lives in rivers. It has a unique shell that looks like a little pocket, perfect for hiding away from predators.
Habitat: Freshwater rivers
Appearance
The Rock-pocketbook is a freshwater mussel with a thick, oval to squarish shell, often tan to dark brown. Its surface is rough, covered with noticeable bumps and wrinkles, giving it a 'rocky' appearance. The inside of the shell is typically a pearly white color.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderUnionidaFamilyUnionidaeGenusArcidens
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby Rock-pocketbooks must attach to a fish's gills or fins to grow!
Rock-pocketbooks breathe underwater by using feathery gills hidden inside their shells!
They use a powerful, muscular "foot" to slowly crawl and bury themselves in the mud!
This mussel can close its shell super tight and survive for weeks without eating!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Purifier
Rock-pocketbook can filter tiny food particles and pollutants from water because of specialized gills, which helps keep rivers clean.
Ability
Riverbed Anchor
Rock-pocketbook has a strong muscular foot that helps them burrow into riverbeds for stability and protection from strong currents.
Ability
Lure Master
Rock-pocketbook can wiggle a fleshy flap on their shell that looks like a tiny fish, attracting real fish to help spread their babies.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 70-150 mm
- Lifespan
- 3650-7300 days
Diet & Feeding
These mussels filter tiny food particles and algae from the water using special gills.
Primary Foods
- Algae
- Detritus
- Bacteria
- Microscopic plankton
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons often eat these mussels.
eaten by
Muskrat
Ondatra zibethicus
Muskrats dig up mussels from riverbeds.
depends on
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
Young mussels briefly attach to their gills for development.
depends on
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Larval mussels attach to these fish to spread.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
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 have an adult with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Rock-pocketbook?
70-150 mm
How long does Rock-pocketbook live?
3650-7300 days
What does Rock-pocketbook eat?
These mussels filter tiny food particles and algae from the water using special gills.
Where is Rock-pocketbook usually found?
Freshwater rivers
How does Rock-pocketbook hunt?
Filter Feeding
Snap Map
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