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1 INTRODUCTION These freshwater mollusks with paired, opposing valves have been called mussels, clams, bivalves, unionids, pearly mussels or naiads. Technically, the terms "clam" or "mussel" refer to marine (salt-water) organisms. Our freshwater forms differ from marine forms in their reproduction which involves a parasitic larvae and a fish host. However, "freshwater mussel" has been in use for so long that this is now a generally accepted name and no amount of whining by malacologists is likely to change that. Charismatic megafauna is a term that was coined to describe animals with big brown eyes and soft fur that inspire conservation campaigns, fundraising drives and TV shows. But you have never seen a freshwater mussel as the poster child of a wildlife fundraising drive. They lie buried in the bottom of a stream, filtering the water for their livelihood. What little portion of their body left exposed is often covered in a mat of algae giving them a striking resemblance to a rock . . . a living rock. Hardly something to inspire a big "awwwww". Yet, if you were to pick up a fresh mussellshell and cleaned it, you would have something that was remarkably attractive, almost jewel-like. A glossy shell with intense colors and, perhaps, brightly colored stripes. It may be perfectly smooth or covered in ridges, grooves and bumps. The insides of the shells are iridescent whites, pinks and purples. Their names may be descriptive or imaginative but are certainly not boring. Pink heelsplitter, Threeridge, Hickorynut, Wabash pigtoe, Lilliput, Fatmucket, Paper pondshell, and Giant floater to name a few. But these same freshwater mussels are among our most imperiled fauna. Of some 300 species in North America, 72% are considered to be endangered, threatened or of special concern. Only 24% are still listed as stable. 53 The Importance of Freshwater Mussels The value of freshwater mussels, indeed of any organism or resource, is in the eye of the beholder. Some look at a mountain and see beauty, another might sees an obstacle to travel, and yet others see it as a source of minerals. Ditto with freshwater mussels. Some are fascinated by their shells, others are comfortable simply knowing that this native critter is around, while most simply don't care. On the whole, the role of freshwater mussels has been little studied.