Facts

Why the Pink Mucket is Endangered-
As of June 14, 1976 the pink mucket has been labeled an endangered species.  Dams and reservoirs have flooded much of the pink mucket's habitat causing the reduction of gravel and sand and most likely affecting the distribution of the fish hosts.  Also, erosion caused by strip mining, logging and farming can add silt to the rivers therefore clogging the mussel's feeding siphons or burying them entirely. 

Other dangers are agricultural runoff and industrial runoff.  Other major things affecting the pink mucket besides dam construction include channelization and dredging which can deteriorate the water quality.  This can cause loss of habitat to the mussel by ruining the substrate they need. 

Overharvesting and illegal collecting of the pink mucket have also been a cause for concern.  Pink Mucket's have commercial value in the polished chop industry.  Lastly, biologists fear that competition with the exotic zebra mussel will one day have an effect on the mucket. 

Because freshwater mussels are filter feeders, often dependent on one species of fish for reproduction, and are basically sedentary and quite long lived, they are adversely affected by long-range water quality problems (pollution), physical barriers such as dams and locks, and changes in the abundance of fish, algae and other microorganisms.

To move onto the references page CLICK HERE