Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 7, 2023

Biologists Observe Highly Unusual Reproductive Behavior in Endangered Freshwater Mussels 

Sci.News reports

In spring, female thick-shelled river mussels (Unio crassus) were seen moving to the water’s edge and anchoring into the riverbed, with their back ends raised above the waterline; then they squirted out regular water jets, which landed in the water up to a meter away; squirting cycles lasted 3-6 hours. The jets disturb the river surface and attract fish; mussel larvae in the jets can then attach to the gills of the fish and complete their metamorphosis into adults. This behavior has never been seen in any other mussel species.

Read More Biologists Observe Highly Unusual Reproductive Behavior in Endangered Freshwater Mussels | Sci.News


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