Freshwater mussel

[piker al]

The local quarry is mega low now, it’s a deep old place but levels are well down, seen a live freshwater mussel with its tongue out between all the shells tonight, first time I’ve seen this

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[Mike F]

Its interesting how they bury themselves. Did you watch it do it?

[davelumb]

It's a long time since I've seen those alive. Seen a few shells on the bank. Otters like them it seems.

[piker al]

Its interesting how they bury themselves. Did you watch it do it?

No it must of sensed me approaching its tongue was right out but went back in and clamped shut as I took picture, the margins are full of empty shells but it’s first time I’ve seen one alive

[Mike J]

They are a protected species, very rare to see one open like that

They move with the shell on its sharp edge and using the tongue to pull themselves along. Discovered their slithering tracks when I was relocating a few bucketfuls from an section that was being drained for infilling.

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