Freshwater Mussels are bivalves. This means they have two valves (shells) hinged together that are typically closed when you find them.
Mussels have thick shells. Some are oblong-shaped, while others are rounded. They have muscular feet that they use to burrow into the bottom of rivers. When feeding, a pair of siphons sticks out of the hind edge of the shell, sorting the rubbish from the water flowing into the shell.
Freshwater Mussels live on microscopic animals and plants. They feed and breathe by sucking water through tubes, called siphons, to filter out food particles.
Mussels have thick shells. Some are oblong-shaped, while others are rounded. They have muscular feet that they use to burrow into the bottom of rivers. When feeding, a pair of siphons sticks out of the hind edge of the shell, sorting the rubbish from the water flowing into the shell.
Freshwater Mussels live on microscopic animals and plants. They feed and breathe by sucking water through tubes, called siphons, to filter out food particles.