Winged floater freshwater mussels require a fish host. They occur in lakes, slow rivers, and some reservoirs with mud or sand substrates. They are sedentary filter feeders that consume plankton and other particulate matter suspended in the water column, and thereby contribute to nutrient cycling. These mussels may prefer higher reaches of streams with high water quality.
Limiting factors
Winged floater freshwater mussels are threatened by loss of host fish and other anthropogenic impacts, including channel modifications, dredging and mining, contamination, sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, water withdrawal and diversion, poorly-managed livestock grazing in riparian areas, and the introduction of non-native fish and invertebrate species.
Data gaps
Assess distribution. Identify specific host fish species. Determine whether populations represent distinct species or subspecies. Describe taxonomic relationship with A. californiensis.
Conservation actions
Protect known populations of host fish. Maintain water quality.
