Kalamazoo and St. Joseph River

Mussel Survey


NOTE: This study was funded by the Michigan Non-game Wildlife Grants.


If you are interested in general information about freshwater mussels, see the Frequently Asked Questions webpage.




This study recorded historical information of the Kalamazoo and St. Joseph rivers of southern Michigan, and updated surveys of fresh water mussels in the family Unionidae. A computer data base of collection records from the University of Michigan's Mollusk Division Collection was created. Field surveys updated information of existing populations. Although historically recorded on these watersheds, no state endangered, threatened, or special concern species were found live. However, particular sites have healthy populations with fairly diverse communities.

If you would like to request more detailed information regarding specific sites, please e-mail.





Amy Hilt, of the Department of Natural Resources Fish Division, looks over some of the mussels that were collected in the lower Kalamazoo River. Amy is the chairman of Michigan's mussel committee.




(This preliminary list of the St. Joseph River is from a publication by Henry van der Schalie)

Mussels of the St. Joseph River



Mucket , Actinonaias carinata
Slippershell , Alasmidonta calceolus
Elktoe , Alasmidonta marginata
Three-ridge , Amblema plicata
Cylindrical papershell , Anodontoides ferussacianus
Purple wartyback , Cyclonaias tuberculata +
Spike , Elliptio dilatata
Snuffbox, Epioblasma triquetra **
Wabash pigtoe, Fusconaia flava
Fat mucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea
Pocketbook, Lampsilis ventricosa
Creek heelsplitter, Lasmigona compressa
Fluted shell, Lasmigona costata
Fragile papershell, Leptodea fragilis
Black sandshell, Ligumia recta
Round pigtoe, Pleurobema coccineum
Pink heelsplitter, Potamilis alatus (formerly Proptera alata)
Floater, Pyganodon grandis
Squawfoot, Strophitus undulatus
Fawnsfoot, Truncilla donaciformis
Deer toe, Truncilla truncata
Ellipse, Venustaconcha ellipsiformis
Rainbow, Villosa iris


+= species of special concern in Michigan
*= state threatened
**= state endangered
***= federally endangered


Mussels of the Kalamazoo River



Mucket , Actinonaias carinata
Slippershell , Alasmidonta calceolus
Elktoe , Alasmidonta marginata
Three-ridge , Amblema plicata
Cylindrical papershell , Anodontoides ferussacianus
Purple wartyback , Cyclonaias tuberculata +
Spike , Elliptio dilatata
Wabash pigtoe, Fusconaia flava
Fat mucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea
Pocketbook, Lampsilis ventricosa
Creek heelsplitter, Lasmigona compressa
Fluted shell, Lasmigona costata
Fragile papershell, Leptodea fragilis
Black sandshell, Ligumia recta
Round pigtoe, Pleurobema coccineum
Pink heelsplitter, Potamilis alatus (formerly Proptera alata)
Giant Floater, Pyganodon grandis
Floater, Pyganodon subgibbosa
Squawfoot, Strophitus undulatus
Fawnsfoot, Truncilla donaciformis
Deer toe, Truncilla truncata
Ellipse, Venustaconcha ellipsiformis
Rainbow, Villosa iris


Other links:

Kalamazoo River Area of Concern information

Friends of the St. Joseph River website


Please feel free to e-mail with comments or questions.


[ Mollusk Division | Natural History Exhibit Museum |