Freshwater Mussels

Often overlooked, freshwater mussels have a number of key roles in our ecosystem. They are a major food source for many of our birds, mammals, and fish and they act as natural water cleaners by filtering out particles and bacteria. Indiana’s poor history with water quality has imperiled a number of our freshwater mussels with over ten species listed as threatened or endangered. Click on the common name of the native Hoosier freshwater mussels below to explore and learn more about each unique species.