MUSSEL MATTERS
Status: Endangered
Characteristics
The Higgins' eye pearlymussel is native to the Mississippi River and some of its northern tributaries. It is usually found in areas of swift current and buries itself in mud-gravel bottoms in water up to 15 feet deep with only the edge of its shell and its feeding siphons exposed. Higgins' eyes measure 3 to 4 inches and have thick, round, olive-brown shells with dark rings.
The Threat
Degredation and loss of habitat along with the introduction of invasive exotic species (zebra mussels) are the greatest known threats to Higgins eye.