An Investigation of the Mussel Resource at Selected Locations Along the Alabama River, Alabama, 1999
Abstract
In September 1999, 17 locations along the Alabama River between River Miles (RM) 12.5 and 72.4 were searched for freshwater mussels (Family: Unionidae) using divers and waders. Nearly 700 live mussels and 14 species were collected in addition to the nonindigenous Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea. The fauna was dominated by Quadrula asperata (Alabama orb) which composed 27.7 percent of the fauna. Four other species, Obliquarta reflexa (threehorn wartyback), Fusconaia ebena (ebonyshell), Lampsilis teres (yellow sandshell), and Lampsilis ornata (southern pocketbook), each composed 16.6 to 10.2 percent of the fauna. The total time spent collecting was 3,300 min, and collecting rates (where mussels were found) ranged from 0.02 to 0.69/min with an overall mean of 0.20 mussels/min. A single Potamilus inflatus (inflated heelspitter), listed as endangered, was collected in water approximately 2 m deep at RM 42.6, right descending bank. Aside from the single P. inflatus, no other unusual or uncommon mussels were found. All study sites had low-density mussel populations, usually with few species present.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA385866
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center