New York Metropolitan Region and New Jersey
Freshwater Mussel Identification Handbook

Mussel Features
Color Rays
 

     
 

    

    
Color rays when present
may be valuable for
identification.
The arrangement and
width of the rays is a
diagnostic character
for several species in our 
area.

    
Alasmidonta heterodon 
dwarf wedgemussel

    
 Leptodea ochracea
tidewater mucket

     
 

     
 

     
 

     
 

     
 

    

    
The color rays are the
darker green stripes or 
bands that are highlighted
against the lighter yellow-
green of the periostracum.

    
Alasmidonta undulata
triangle floater 

    
 Lampsilis radiata
eastern lampmussel

     
 


    
View other features
Anterior and Posterior
Beak and Beak Sculpture   Color Rays
Growth Lines  Hinge Teeth 
Length, Width, Height, Profile, Silhouette 
 Posterior Ridge and Slope  
Shell Shape

    
View other pages
Mussel Features Menu
Front Page 
  Introduction to Mussels  
Species Menu    Key
Conservation and Monitoring
Bibliography   Glossary