Black Sandshell. A Black Sandshell stocked by DWR staff to the Clinch River and recovered during monitoring is measured for shell growth.
Juvenile Black Sandshell. AWCC staff member holds juvenile Black Sandshell produced in 2021 for stocking to the Clinch River.
Adult Black Sandshell. Mussel Propagation Specialist Joe Ferraro holds an adult Black Sandshell produced by AWCC in 2013.
Fact File
Scientific Name: Ligumia recta
Classification: Freshwater Mussel, Family Unionidae
Conservation Status:
- State Threatened in Virginia
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need-Tier 3a on the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan
Life Span: Up to 25 years
Distribution: Found in the streams of Southwest Virginia. It is native to the upper Tennessee River Basin and occupies shallow to deep runs with sand, and gravel substrate.
Lifecycle
Freshwater mussels require fish hosts in order to complete their unique lifecycle. The larva must catch a ride on the gills of the unsuspecting fish, who distribute them far from their mother. The host of Black Sandshell is the Walleye, a popular game species that DWR works to stock in streams throughout the state. Walleye anglers would know that this particular fish feeds on small minnows in the early morning and late evening hours. Black Sandshell uses a mantle lure that mimics the same baitfish during those same times of day.
Role in the Web of Life
Like all freshwater mussels, the Black Sandshell constantly filters water for food. Through this process, it keeps the rivers clean for animals and humans alike!
Conservation
DWR’s Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) in Marion has been producing juveniles of this mussel to supplement declining populations, since 2003. Staff, there, have propagated and stocked more than 3,000 individuals to targeted river restoration sites in southwest Virginia. As recently as 2021, biologists surveyed these restoration sites and recovered live individuals stocked ten years ago.
Species Profile Authors: Tim Lane, Sarah Colletti, Joe Ferraro, and Tiffany Leach
Last updated: August 22, 2022