October 3rd, 2022 - Mussel Monday - Fingernail Clamshell

During our freshwater mussel survey in Fowler Brook, we came across a 'new' find- fingernail clams! Fingernail clams, also called pill clams or pea clams, are members of a family of small to tiny freshwater clams that are common but rarely noticed. Out of all the sites we've surveyed for freshwater mussels, this is the only site that we actually noticed these tiny clams! Like mussels, these clams are also filter feeders that remove suspended organic materials from the water, helping to clarify the water. They also play an important role in the aquatic food web. Next time you're out on the water, see if you can find some of these tiny treasures!