Lampsilis cardium

Lampsilis cardium is a species of freshwater mussel in the family Unionidae, the river mussels. It is known commonly as the plain pocketbook.^[2] It is widespread in eastern North America, where it is native to the Mississippi River and Great Lakes drainage systems.

Lampsilis cardium displaying a mantle lure in the Potomac River.

Lampsilis cardium
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Bivalvia
Order:	Unionida
Family:	Unionidae
Genus:	Lampsilis
Species:	L. cardium
Binomial name
Lampsilis cardium Rafinesque, 1820

Reproduction

All Unionidae are known to use the gills, fins, or skin of a host fish for nutrients during the larval glochidia stage. Lampsilis cardium accomplishes this by having the inner sides of its mantle flaps marked with longitudinal stripes, resembling a small fish of the genus Notropis. When these are attacked and ruptured by a striking predatory fish, especially Micropterus coosae, the mussel larvae are released into the gills of the host fish, where they feed and develop.^[2][3]