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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaRacing shells and rowers are often seen on the Mississippi River during the summer.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Salamander Mussel
(Simpsonaias ambigua) Say, 1825
A Salamander mussel
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Other Common Names:
Simpson's shell, smooth minishell.
Habitat:
Found in mud or gravel and under flat slabs and stone towards the edge of medium to large rivers.
Length:
Up to 2 inches (5.1 cm).
Outer Shell Color:
Yellowish tan to dark brown.
Inner Shell Color:
Bluish white, sometimes with a tinge of salmon near where the two halves meet. The end farthest from where the two halves meet is of rainbow color.
Shell Thickness:
Thin.
Shell Outline:
Longer than it is wide. Both ends (farthest and closest to where the two halves meet) are round. The top and bottom of the shell are almost parallel to on another.
Shell Surface:
Smooth and dull.
Scientific Description:
Elongate, fragile, yellow or brown shell, somewhat inflated. Beak not prominent.
Similar Looking Mussels:
Host Fish:
Mudpuppy.
Distribution:
Federal Candidate "Category 2."
Minnesota State Listing:
Threatened.
Federal Listing:
None.
A flooded street in 1952  

Did You Know?
In 1952, the Mississippi River flooded hundreds of acres of farmland and multiple cities. Over 2,000 families were homeless because of the high water.
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Last Updated: September 20, 2006 at 15:28 EST