Florida’s Freshwater Mussels and Clams

Read a brief introduction about Florida’s freshwater mussels and clams and access an additional resource to learn more.

Florida’s freshwater bodies support more than 60 species of mussels and clams. These animals usually inhabit shallow, sandy bottoms of lakes and streams. Their filter-feeding activity improves water quality by removing bacteria, algae and organic material. Florida’s freshwater mussels and clams are also an important food source for many fish, birds and mammals.

Fifteen Florida mussel species are federally listed as threatened or endangered. These listed species are found from the Suwannee River system north and west to the Georgia and Alabama borders. The Florida's Freshwater Mussels and Clams brochure provides illustrations and other information about these listed species and others found in Florida's freshwater systems.

To learn more, read the full brochure.