Freshwater Mussel Life Cycle
As you saw in the video, freshwater mussels depend on fish for survival and reproduction. Mussels have a complex life cycle with five stages.
This image shows the stages in the life cycle of a freshwater mussel.
Take Notes
Using the stages in the life cycle of freshwater mussels, briefly explain the role of the fish to freshwater mussel survival and reproduction.
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- The freshwater mussel life cycle starts with developing egg inside of the mother freshwater mussel. The mother freshwater mussel carries her eggs inside her shell in pouches called gills. Each egg soon develops into a glochidium, or parasitic larva that will be released and attach to a host fish.
- A glochidium is about as small as a grain of sand and does not look much like a freshwater mussel. The mother freshwater mussel sets the glochidia (plural) free. Now the glochidia must attach to a host fish or die.
- The glochidia are like caterpillars that transform into moths. The glochidia must transform into a freshwater mussel, but first they must make something similar to a cocoon on a fish, called a cyst.
- After riding around on the fish for several weeks the glochidia will metamorphose (or change) into a tiny freshwater mussel, fall off of the fish, and sink to the bottom of the lake or stream.
- When the little freshwater mussels reach the bottom of the lake or stream, they grow into adult freshwater mussels.
