A size comparison showing a transformer juvenile freshwater mussel at the head of a pin. - FWS photo

Genoa National Fish Hatchery’s mussel program continues to expand its services by helping researchers at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse better understand the parasitic life stage of these unique organisms. 

Freshwater mussels have a life cycle that consist of a parasitic larva (called a glochidia) that must attach to the gills of fish so that they can undergo a metamorphosis to become an independent living organism. 

Dr. Scott Cooper, professor at the university, is interested in the anti-blood clotting properties of parasitic organisms.  His interest in the parasitic glochidia developed after assisting Mark Steingraeber from the La Crosse Fisheries Resource Office on a winged mapleleaf study. 

In July, Genoa NFH was able to supply Dr. Cooper with 1700 newly transformed plain pocketbook juveniles.  This makes the third research facility that Genoa NFH has provided mussels to this year.  

Mussels from Genoa NFH have gone to United States Geological Survey for diet studies, and others are currently being cultured for toxicity testing to be conducted at North Carolina State University. 

Because of their lack of mobility, mussels are a “captive audience” to any toxic chemical that comes downstream.  By being able to culture large numbers of freshwater mussels Genoa NFH is on the forefront to provide test animals for future studies.