An Analysis of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) Along Luxapalila Creek, Mississippi, 1999 Studies

Abstract

Abstract : In October 1999, 14 sites along Luxapalila Creek between Steens, Mississippi, and Waterworks Road Bridge (River Mile 6.2), were searched for freshwater mussels (Family: Unionidae). All collecting was done by hand and without divers. The purpose was to obtain information that could be used to assess the effectiveness of reasonable and prudent measures and their terms and conditions to reduce impacts to mussels caused by downstream channelization that took place in 1994 to 1996. In addition, results would be used to determine the likelihood of future losses (or incidental take) of federally listed mussel species in the project area. Fifteen species of freshwater mussels, in addition to Corbicula fluminea (Asian clam), were collected. Live specimens of the endemc, federally listed threatened Pleurobema decisum (southern clubshell) was collected at one site. The most abundant living species were Quadrula asperata (Alabama orb) and Lampsilis sframinea claiboniensis (southern fatmucket) which comprised 31.2 and 19.5 percent of the fauna. The third and fourth most abundant species, Tritogonia vemicosa (pistolgrip) and Lampsilis omata (southern pocketbook), comprised 18.7 and 10.9 percent of the collection. The remaining 11 species each comprised less than 4 percent of the fauna. Mussel abundance has changed little in this stream, based upon results of a survey conducted in 1992 and studies conducted in 1997 and 1998.