New York Metropolitan Region and New Jersey
Freshwater Mussel Identification Handbook


  Mussel Features
    Length, Width, Height

     
 

     
 

    
Specimen length and 
width are measured with 
the  specimen held on 
edge.
Width may also be
thought of as the
specimen's thickness.
Height must include the
projection of the beak.

    
 Lampsilis cariosa
 yellow lampmussel

    
 Lampsilis cariosa
   yellow lampmussel

    
Specimen dimensions are
based on adult individuals.


     
 

     
 

     

     
 

    
      Key Features
Profile, Silhouette Views

     
 

    
 
silhouette view

    
 
profile or edge view

    
Specimen silhouette is
an important diagnostic
feature, as each of the 
metro area taxa has a 
distinct shape. The basic 
shapes of the mussel shell
and their names should 
be memorized.


    
 Ligumia nasuta
eastern pondmussel

    
Leptodea ochracea
tidewater mucket 

     
 

    
View other features
Anterior and Posterior
Beak and Beak Sculpture   Color Ray
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