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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaThe historic Stone Arch Bridge across the Mississippi River.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Pistolgrip
(Tritogonia verrucosa) Rafinesque, 1820
A Pistolgrip mussel
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Other Common Names:
Buckhorn, peanute, turkey wing.
Habitat:
Found in mud, sand, or gravel in moving waters of medium to large rivers.
Length:
Up to 8 inches (20.3 cm).
Outer Shell Color:
Green or light brown, becoming darker to even black as the shell matures.
Inner Shell Color:
White.
Shell Thickness:
Thick.
Shell Outline:
Longer than it is wide. The end closest to where the two halves meet is round, while the opposite end is squared or truncated in males and round in females. The top of the shell is slightly curved to straight, while the bottom of the shell is arched.
Shell Surface:
Except for the end farthest from where the two halves meet of the female shell, the entire shell of the pistolgrip is covered with bumps.
Scientific Description:
Shell brown or black; moderately large and heavy; elongate; entire shell tuberculate. Female shell with large postdorsal ala (wing-like extension of shell). Male lacks this.
Similar Looking Mussels:
Rabbitsfoot.
Host Fish:
Unknown.
Distribution:
Widespread but relatively uncommon.
Minnesota State Listing:
None.
Federal Listing:
None.
Itasca, Headwaters of the Mississippi River  

Did You Know?
At Lake Itasca, the river is so shallow, children can walk across the Mississippi. Between Governor Nicholls Wharf and Algiers Point in New Orleans, the Mississippi is more than 200 feet deep.

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Last Updated: September 20, 2006 at 13:30 EST