Three-ridge Mussel
ExploreInvertebrate
Three-ridge Mussel
Amblema plicata
The Three-ridge Mussel is a special shellfish that lives in rivers and lakes. It has a unique shell with three ridges, making it easy to recognize. These mussels help keep water clean by filtering it!
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Three-ridge Mussel has a thick, oval shell that is typically dark brown to black, with three distinct ridges running across its surface. Its inner shell, or nacre, is usually white or iridescent, and its shape is unique compared to smoother mussels.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderUnionidaFamilyUnionidaeGenusAmblema
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single mussel can filter over 40 liters of water every day – that's a lot!
Baby mussels, glochidia, are tiny hitchhikers that attach to fish gills to grow!
Mussel shells grow rings, just like trees, which show how old they are!
They breathe using special feathery gills inside their shells, extracting oxygen from water.
Special abilities
Ability
Nature's Filter
Three-ridge Mussel can filter large volumes of water, cleaning freshwater habitats by removing tiny particles and algae.
Ability
Stealthy Burrower
Three-ridge Mussel has a strong foot that helps them burrow into mud or sand, providing protection from predators.
Ability
Tiny Fish Lure
Three-ridge Mussel can create a fleshy lure that mimics a small fish, attracting larger fish to help spread larvae.
Ability
Super Survivor
Three-ridge Mussel has an exceptionally long lifespan, allowing them to filter water and contribute to the ecosystem for decades.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 80-150 mm
- Lifespan
- 7300-18250 days
- Leg Count
- 0
Diet & Feeding
These mussels filter tiny food particles like algae and plankton from the water.
Primary Foods
- algae
- plankton
- detritus
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.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
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.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
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! Always stay close to an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Three-ridge Mussel?
80-150 mm
How long does Three-ridge Mussel live?
7300-18250 days
What does Three-ridge Mussel eat?
These mussels filter tiny food particles like algae and plankton from the water.
Where is Three-ridge Mussel usually found?
Freshwater rivers and lakes
How does Three-ridge Mussel hunt?
Filter Feeding
How many legs does Three-ridge Mussel have?
0
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