Reproduction

 

Reproduction for the Pink Mucket requires a stable habitat with a large population of fish hosts.  The male sex cells are released into the current of the water, flow downstream, and are taken into the female's body through the in-current siphon.




The sperm then are transported to the gills where the eggs are fertilized.  The gills now serve as pouches to hold the fertilized eggs as well as respiritory organs.  Next, the eggs develop into glochidium, possessing only partially developed organs.  Once developed, the female discharges the eggs through the excurrent siphon. 


 In order to survive, the eggs     must be taken into the mouth  by a host fish.  Once these  larvae find a fish host, the  clamp onto the fish by means of clasping valves.  Once on the fish they grow into young mussels with shells of their down and finally detach and settle into the streambed for life as an adult mussel.  The host fish include: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass and walleye  

To learn more about interactions CLICK HERE