Lampsilis ovata infesting a host fish.
Freshwater mussels shoot their fertilized eggs (glochidia) at passing fish. The glochidia hitch a ride on the host fish's gills for several weeks before dropping to the stream bed to start their new life. Freshwater mussels are the foundation of healthy rivers and streams. They clean waterways, stabilize aquatic ecosystems, and have the coolest life cycle around.
Video shows a smallmouth bass attack a mussel lure. The mussel shoots a cloudy substance at the fish's face.
Video by Brett Billings and Ryan Hagerty / USFWS. Filmed at at the Virginia Department of Water Resources’ Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center in Marion, VA.
Lampsilis ovata infesting a host fish.
Freshwater mussels shoot their fertilized eggs (glochidia) at passing fish. The glochidia hitch a ride on the host fish's gills for several weeks before dropping to the stream bed to start their new life. Freshwater mussels are the foundation of healthy rivers and streams. They clean waterways, stabilize aquatic ecosystems, and have the coolest life cycle around.
Video shows a smallmouth bass attack a mussel lure. The mussel shoots a cloudy substance at the fish's face.
Video by Brett Billings and Ryan Hagerty / USFWS. Filmed at at the Virginia Department of Water Resources’ Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center in Marion, VA.