Did you know that freshwater mussels go fishing? 
In order to complete their life cycle, freshwater mussels must deposit their larvae onto a host fish. They use the specialized tissue of their mantle as “lures” to attract fish and entice them to investigate. These lures often resemble minnows, crayfish, or small invertebrates – offerings that are too good to resist for many species of host fish. Mussels even move and wiggle their lures to add a touch of realism! 
When fish strike the fleshy lure, the female mussel releases thousands of larvae that instantly attach to the gills or fins of the host fish. After a short period of time, the mussels detach from the fish and sink to the bottom of the stream, where they will continue to grow.
Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of animals in Kentucky. They face threats in the form of water quality and pollution, dams, and host fish availability. You can support mussel conservation, including the work of our staff at the Center for Mollusk Conservation, by joining KENTUCKY WILD.
Click here to become a member today: https://bit.ly/3q7pt0J
Photo 1: Wavy-rayed lamp mussel lure
Photo 2: Plain pocketbook lure
Photo 3: Purple catspaw lure
Photos by Monte McGregor
