Hobbies And Interests
Elktoe Mussel
The Elktoe Mussel is found in many freshwater sites in the state. Like all mussels, the Elktoe is a filter feeder that relies on dissolved nutrients in the water for sustenance. The Elktoe Mussel simultaneously filters the water of impurities while feeding which makes it highly vulnerable to pollutants and pesticides. Consequently, the Elktoe Mussel is listed as threatened in the Missouri as of 2011.
Snuffbox Mussel
These 2 to 3-inch wide mussels have clearly defined external hinge teeth. They also have thick shells and do not have hook mechanisms to attach to fish. Consequently, they release a small muscle out of their shell to act as a lure. Once a fish moves in, the mussel will attach itself to the gills and remain there. They survive on discarded bits of food that leave the fish's mouth. The Snuffbox Mussel is endangered in Missouri due to habitat loss and water pollution.
Elephant Ear Mussel
The Elephant Ear Mussel is listed as endangered in Missouri as of 2011. The freshwater mussel is triangular in shape with a heavy shell measuring approximately 4 inches across. It buries itself in the mud bottoms of rivers and ponds, and uses a lure-like appendage to attract fish to its hiding place. The Elephant Ear will attach itself to the fish and consume any bits of food discarded by its host.
Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels are native to Russian but have been present in Missouri since at least 1991. One Zebra Mussel can produce a million or more offspring in a single season. The Zebra Mussel can squeeze fish and other forms of life out of lakes in a short period of time. They attach themselves to hulls or propellers of boats, which helps them spread to new locations. In 2010, the Missouri Department of Conservation dumped 400 gallons of algaecide in Smithville Lake north of Kansas City just to kill the Zebra Mussels.