Neosho Mucket (Lampsilis rafinesqueana)
(State-listed as Endangered)
Description: A non-descript freshwater mussel (clam) that is
kidney-shaped, dark brown in color and approximately four to six
inches in length. It feeds by filtering suspended alga and
microscopic organisms out of the water.
Habitat: The Neosho Mucket is found in stable gravel and finer
sediment in near-shore and backwater portions of small rivers.
Like all freshwater mussels, it is a filter feeder and must have
a permanent source of flowing water surrounding it.
Current and Historic Distribution: Currently within Oklahoma,
the Neosho Mucket is found in the Illinois River upstream from
Tenkiller Reservoir, and also may occur in stable portions of
the Illinois River’s larger tributaries - the Barren Fork, Caney
Creek and Flint Creek. It is possible that small populations may
occur in the upper reaches of the Verdigris River and the upper
reaches of the Neosho River near the Kansas state line.
Populations also occur in a few isolated river systems in
southeastern Kansas, southwestern Missouri and northwestern
Arkansas. Historically, the Neosho Mucket occurred in the
Oklahoma portions of the Verdigris, Caney, Neosho, Spring and
Grand rivers, as well as the lower portion of the Illinois
River.
Reasons for Decline: The reasons for its historic decline are
unclear but past pesticide and water pollution (before these
were regulated) probably played a large role. The Neosho Mucket
is still affected by past and potential future reservoir
construction. Reservoirs alter the habitat by creating deeper
water conditions, changing water flow and allowing sediment to
be deposited over gravel beds where the mussels live.
County by County List of Endangered and Threatened Species
US Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Lists