Anoodon

Anoodon is a genus of freshwater mussels, also known as clams, belonging to the family Unionidae. These bivalve mollusks are found in freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams across North America and Europe. Members of the genus Anoodon are characterized by their thin, oval, and elongated shells that are typically smooth and dark in color. They lack the prominent hinge teeth found in many other freshwater mussels, a key distinguishing feature.

These mussels are filter feeders, drawing water into their mantle cavity and extracting organic particles and plankton for sustenance. They play an important ecological role in aquatic ecosystems by improving water clarity and providing a food source for various fish and birds. Anoodon mussels are typically found partially buried in the substrate, such as sand, mud, or gravel, in relatively slow-moving or still waters. Their reproductive cycle involves a larval stage called a glochidium, which parasitizes fish before settling to the bottom to develop into adult mussels.