KevinC

Hello Quillback, I would absolutely be interested in any mussels you found in the lakes you fish. I would be very interested to see any shells you might find in lakes, rivers, resevoirs, ponds, you name it... If its a native freshwater mussel I'm interested. Thanks so much for the offer to help! I hope you drag a few lake mussel shells up (in between big fish catches that is!) when you're out. I look forward to hearing from you. -Thanks again, Kevin

Well its been a long while and my studies continue. I thought I'd bump the discussion and hope for the best. I would still love to see any freshwater mussel shells people might come across. -Thanks, Kevin

I want to thank everyone for the thoughtful replies and suggestions. Yeah this is not be best time of the year unfortunately. I should also point out that I only study native freshwater mussels (not invasive Asian Clams or Zebra mussels). The asian invasives are about the only bivalves that could be confused with a native freshwater mussel, however, the Asian invasives never grow much larger than a inch; whereas, almost all native mussels grow over an inch (and up to 10 inches). Also, I should also clarify that I don't need the two halves of the mussel to be still attached. I just would prefer to see both matching halves of the mussel (even if they are separated). Again, thanks to everyone. I hope you catch some big fish in the upcomming year (and perhaps find a few mussel shells along the way ). -Take care, Kevin

68 nibbles but no replies!

Hey all, I am a student studying American freshwater mussels. I live in Massachusetts where unfortunately there are not that many mussels to find. I am looking for people who come across the little (sometime not so little) buggers when outdoors. I would love anyone who finds the muskrat/raccoon middens on the side of the rivers/lakes (or how ever they come across the mussels) to box up a bunch of paired fellas big or small and send them my way. I am only looking for spent/dead/empty shells, not live specimens. I collect and study and write about all the different species. I'm not concered about big or small, the more different species the more exciting to me. Anyone who would be able to help me with my studies by just picking up a bunch of the ones you find while fishing would be a HUGE help in my studies. I would certainly compensate you for your effort and of course pay for shipping too. The only requirements would be that you provide matching paired (not single) valves and that they are not totally broken (they don't have to be absolutely perfect with no chips at all, but the cleaner with their natural "skin" the better). I've been trying to make contacts with people across the country that naturally run into mussels while out fishing or hiking that might be able to just pick up shells they come across without it being a big hassle for them. I can't thank enough anyone who would consider assisting me with this project. You can contact me through this site or directly at kczaja@harvard.edu. Thank You!!!!! And good fishing!!! -Kevin