Lampmussel Mantle Display in the Anacostia River

Observed on 9/29/2017 in the Anacostia River at Buzzard Point near the James Creek Marina in SW Washington, DC. Gravid females of freshwater mussels in the lampmussel genus (Lampsilis spp.) display interesting mantle margins and other reproductive structures that mimic small fish like minnows. The larvae of these mussels require attachment to a host fish to complete their lifecycle. This luring behavior is used to attract their host fish and make them bite the lure. Instead of a getting a meal, the fish unknowingly gets the mussel larvae which attach to the fish's gills or fins to complete their lifecycle. The use of these lures to attract fish is an adaptation to increase the chances of infesting the host fish and the survival of the species.