Mussel Research

Mussel search using view bucket

Tennessee is home to one of the most diverse freshwater fish and mussel communities in the world, including numerous endangered species. Unforfortunately, freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered group of animals in North America, with three-fourths of all mussel species in some degree of imperilment.

Freshwater mussel research at the Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit focuses on various aspects of the biology and ecology of these native bivalves. Some of our current research includes surveying and sampling of freshwater mussels in various streams and rivers, propagation and maintenance of juveniles, host-fish identification, habitat and nutritional requirements of adults and juveniles, and effect of dams and changes in stream flow on the behavior and biology of mussels.