Mussel Thought to be Extinct Found in Texas River
Posted on August 15, 2011
Researchers from the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources have discovered fresh remains of a freshwater mussel species thought to be extinct in the San Saba River in Central Texas. Dr. Charles Randklev said his research team found a single individual of False spike (Quincuncina mitchelli) with tissue still in the shell. This indicates the mussel was recently alive.
Randklev said this is the first hard evidence of the false spike found in the last 30 years. The only other recent evidence was in 2000 when two specimens without soft tissue were collected in the San Marcos River. Historically, false spike inhabited the Rio Grande, Guadalupe, San Antonio, Colorado and Brazos river basins.
Dr. Randklev says, "Based on this finding, it is likely that the false spike may not be extinct and small populations may exist in the San Saba River."
Randklev says declining populations of mussels can have a huge negative impact on stream ecosystems. He says, "Freshwater mussels are a source of food for some fishes, birds and small mammals. Their wastes are important for algal and macroinvertebrate production, and their shells can provide habitat for benthic (bottom dwelling) invertebrates. So when mussels start declining in a river or stream, it's going to impact other species that depend on them, whether it be for food or for habitat."