(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
OTHER COMMON NAMES - MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND; MONKEYFACE and CUMBERLAND
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Aquatic Molluscs
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MOLLUSCA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - BIVALVIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - UNIONOIDA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - UNIONIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - QUADRULA,
SPECIES AND SSP - INTERMEDIA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - QUADRULA INTERMEDIA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Cumberland Monkeyface Pearly Mussel
Quadrula intermedia (Conrad, 1836)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Clam
PHYLUM: Mollusca CLASS: Bivalvia
ORDER: Unionoida FAMILY: Unionidae
Q. intermedia is a medium-sized species that is subquadrate to
subtriangulate in outline. The outer surface of the shell is usually
well covered with numerous tubercles or warts except toward the
anterior portion of the shell (01). Shell beaks are moderately high
and occur in the anterior third of the shell (02). The
posterior-dorsal surface is rounded, with a sinus formed by a radial
depression. Valves are typically flat and compressed with a deep beak
cavity (01). The outer shell surface is brownish-yellow with numerous
green chevrons or zig-zag patterns, sometimes with broken green rays.
Nacre color varies from salmon to pearly white. Posterior margin of
shell typically exhibits an indentation in outline.
Although Q. intermedia was synonymized with Q. sparsa and Q.
tuberosa earlier this century (03), most malacologists have always
considered Q. intermedia to be a valid species (04,05). The
relationship between Q. tuberosa, Q. sparsa, and Q. metanevra,
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
however, has not been resolved (01,04). Q. tuberosa may be the form
of Q. intermedia occurring in big rivers, where a more obese form
typically occurs in many unionid species (01).
Detailed descriptions and photographs of Q. intermedia are
included in previous publications (01,02,06).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Alabama; Federal Endangered
Alabama; Unofficially Listed
Tennessee; Federal Endangered
Tennessee; State Listed
Virginia; Federal Endangered
Virginia; State Recognized
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Cumberland monkeyface pearly mussel (Quadrula intermedia) has
been designated an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16
U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever
found including the States of Alabama, Tennessee, and Virginia.
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal
(alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
DOD (COE) -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control. Also responsible for
management/recovery on Department of Defense lands.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Alabama
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Endangered, Bulletin No.2, Endangered and
Threatened Plants and Animals of Alabama,
Alabama Museum of Natural History.
STATE: Tennessee
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Wildlife Resource Agency
STATE STATUTES: TN, Code Ann., Chapter 9, Sec. 51-901 through
51-912. Proclamations 75-15, 76-4, and
amendments.
STATE: Virginia
DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries
STATE STATUTES: State Code 29.230 to 29.237.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
CITES I
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
There are no known commercial values, however, the species'
sedentary nature and filter-feeding habits may make it useful as a
water quality indicator. It has been shown that mussels accumulate
such pollutants as heavy metals and pesticides.
74/10/17:39 FR 37078/37079 - Notice of review
75/09/26:40 FR 44329/44333 - Proposed rule
76/06/14:41 FR 24062/24067 - Final rule
76/06/16:41 FR 24367/24378 - Proposed - CITES I
77/02/22:42 FR 10484/10485 - Final - CITES I
81/02/27:46 FR 14652/14658 - Five year review
87/07/07:52 FR 25523/25528 - Notice of review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Streams and Canals
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial UB1
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Q. intermedia, like most Quadrula spp., is typically a riffle and
run species that inhabits ford and shoal areas of free-flowing streams
with moderate gradient. This species does not occur in the impounded
stretches of rivers or in small streams (05). Optimal habitat appears
to be clean, stable substrate in shallow, fast-flowing water (01).
The species is apparently quite sedentary and usually well-buried
in the substrate, with only siphons exposed (17). In the Powell
River, it occurs in riffles with firm cobble and gravel substrates.
The species appears therefore to be intolerant of silt, and requires
ample waterflow and stable substrate for survival.
Habitat of the glochidia is initially within the gills of the
female, then in the water column, and finally attached to a suitable
fish host. Any alteration of these life stage-specific habitats
during its life cycle would likely affect the long-term success of a
population. Habitat requirements or associations for the juvenile
stage are unknown. Specific environmental requirements for the
species are also unknown, but the seasonal range of environmental
parameters in the Powell river are apparently within its tolerance
limits.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Bacteria
General Phytoplankton
General Diatoms
General Zooplankton
General Fish
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
There are no known interspecific differences in feeding among
freshwater mussels (07). The glochidia are probably obligate
parasites on the gills or fins of fish (01). Adult mussels are
filter-feeders and consume particulate matter suspended in the water
column. Identifiable stomach contents almost invariably include mud,
desmids, diatoms, other unicellular algae, protozoa, and zooplankters
(18,19). No study on the food habits of Q. intermedia has been
conducted; required/preferred foods are therefore unknown.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Non-territorial. The species is sedentary during its adult life
and generally occurs in sections of river with others of its kind.
PERIODICITY:
The species exhibits a seasonal periodicity. During the spawning
period in spring, specimens are at or on the surface of the river
bottom. After spawning, it occurs deeper in the substrate and is
barely visible (17).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Non-migratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
The species occurs primarily in shallow water with stable, mixed
substrate types with moderate to fast current. No species-specific
information on cover/shelter is available in the literature.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Q. intermedia is a riffle and run species that occurs in
free-flowing streams of moderate gradient (01). Habitat is typically
shallow water, stable substrate, and moderate to fast current. Since
this species appears to be sedentary and movement is inconsequential,
this is the type of environment where all life processes are carried
out, including reproduction.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
The reproductive cycle of the Cumberland monkeyface is presumed
to be similar to that of other freshwater mussels. During spawning,
males discharge sperm into the water column, and the sperm are taken
in by the females during siphoning (01). Eggs are fertilized in the
female's suprabranchial cavity or gills, which serve as marsupia for
embryos developing to the parasitic stage (glochidia). Glochidia are
released by the female and must attach to a suitable fish host for
metamorphosis to the free-living juvenile stage.
Q. intermedia is a short-term breeder (01), spawning and
releasing glochidia in late spring. All four gills of the female
serve as marsupia, and Quadrula spp. readily abort young when
disturbed (20).
Glochidia are bean-shaped and hookless, and the fish host(s) are
unknown. TVA has a study underway to identify the fish hosts for
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
this species (1983-1985).
PARENTAL CARE:
Except for retention of the glochidia within the gills of the
female prior to release, no parental care occurs.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
No information exists on the population biology of this species.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The required fish hosts for the parasitic glochidia of this
species are unknown (01).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Developing/maintaining stream structures
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Transplanting Wild Eggs/Wild Seeds
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Siltation
Existing Siltation
Adverse Water Temperature Alteration
Existing Water Temperature Alteration
Adverse Dissolved Oxygen Reduction
Existing Dissolved Oxygen Reduction
Adverse Water Level Fluctuation
Existing Water Level Fluctuation
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Migration barriers
Existing Migration barriers
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Applying herbicides
Existing Applying herbicides
Adverse Applying pesticides
Existing Applying pesticides
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse
Existing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The mussel fauna in most streams of the upper Tennessee River
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
drainage has been impacted by dam construction, channelization,
siltation, and water pollution, which directly affect all mussel
species (01,07). The change from lotic to lentic conditions because
of dams has also altered the species composition of the fish
community, thus jeopardizing the reproductive success of some mussel
species by eliminating required fish hosts. A total of 51
impoundments on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers has eliminated
large sections of riverine habitat within the historic range of the
Cumberland monkeyface. Although siltation has been suggested as the
most significant adverse affect of impoundments on mussels (07), other
detrimental factors include lowered water temperatures, pH changes,
oxygen depletion, and dewatering of mussel beds below dams (07).
Mussel deaths can occur in substrate on which 0.6-2.5 cm of silt has
accumulated, resulting in interference with feeding and suffocation
(08). The siphoning period and metabolic rate of mussels can also be
affected by such contaminants as heavy metals and agricultural
chemicals (09).
Coal waste from mining activities has contributed additional
particulate matter to natural sediment loads, particularly in the
Powell River (10). In laboratory experiments with coal fines in
suspension and coal waste in the substrate, normal feeding activity
and movements of mussels have been affected (11). Negative impacts
on mussels from coal mining, coal washing, and fly ash waste have
been indentified as major problems to mussel recovery in the Powell
River (01).
Water pollution is another major factor that has contributed to
the endangered status of the Cumberland monkeyface. The species was
probably eliminated from the North Fork Holston River, VA by
chlorides, other effluents, and mercury from a now defunct chemical
plant at Saltville (12,13). Its historic occurrence in the Clinch
River above St. Paul, VA (14) was likely affected by chemical spills
in 1967 and 1970 at the APCO plant in Carbo, VA (15,16). Numerous
streams in the upper Tennessee drainage were already polluted by early
twentieth century (12), and the mussel fauna was in a decline at that
time (01).
All of the factors mentioned above (impoundments, siltation, coal
mining, and water pollution) are still considered potential threats to
remaining populations of Q. intermedia. Other factors that may now
be affecting this species include collecting by conchologists, the
invasion of the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) into the upper
Tennessee drainage, the low gene pool which may be below minimum
population size, and the Columbia Dam project on the Duck River, TN.
Substantial mussel die-offs of unknown origin that have
occurred in the Tennessee River drainage since 1982 also pose
a direct threat to the species' survival.
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Cumberland Monkeyface Pearly
Mussel Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlanta, GA.
35 pp.
Recovery actions for the Cumberland monkeyface pearly mussel
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
include:
(1) Conduct population and habitat surveys to determine the status
and range of the species.
(2) Continue to utilize existing legal mechanisms from the local,
state, and federal levels to protect the species and its habitat.
(3) Determine specific threats to the species and strive to minimize
and/or eliminate them. These factors may include, coal mining, road
construction, dredging, herbicide and pesticide spraying, and
chlorinated effluents. Habitat restoration or improvement may be
necessary to improve conditions for survival of the species (i.e.,
restoration of stream banks and channels and assuring optimal clean
water flow).
(4) Identify essential habitat areas in need of protection. Utilize
Scenic River status, mussel sanctuaries, land acquisition, and/or
other means where feasible.
(5) Protect the species from unwarrented collecting.
(6) Determine methods for (e.g., introducing adults, juveniles,
infected host fish, and/or artifically cultured individuals) and
feasibility of reintroducing the species into its historic range. It
is unlikely that removal from the list of Federal endangered or
threatened species could be achieved without the establishment of
populations in other rivers and the expansion of populations in the
Powell, Duck, and Elk Rivers.
Present recovery efforts involve studies to determine the impact
of chlorine, determination of the fish host species, enforcement of
regulations, and information/education effort.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Recovery Plan for the
Cumberland Monkeyface Pearly Mussel, Quadrula intermedia (Conrad,
1836). Technical Draft. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4,
Atlanta, GA. 47 pp.
02 Bogan, A.E. and P.W. Parmalee. 1983. Tennessee's rare wildlife
volume II: the mollusks. Tenn. Wildl. Resour. Agency, Tenn. Dep.
Conserv., and Tenn. Heritage Prog., Univ. Tenn., Knoxville, TN.
123 pp.
03 Ortmann, A.E. 1918. The nayades (freshwater mussels) of the upper
Tennessee drainage with notes on synonymy and distribution. Proc.
Am. Phil. Soc., Phila. 57:521-626.
04 Simpson, C.T. 1914. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Nayades or
Pearly Freshwater Mussels. Bryant Walker, Detroit, MI. 3 Volumes.
1540 pp.
05 Stansbery, D.H. 1976. Status of endangered fluviatile mollusks in
central North America: Quadrule intermedia (Conrad 1836). Ohio
State Univ. Res. Found. Final No.5. 7 pp.
06 Parker, W. and L. Dixon. 1980. Endangered and threatened wildlife
of Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. NC.
Agric. Ext. Serv. 122 pp.
07 Fuller, S.L.H. 1974. Pages 215-273 IN: C.W. Hart and S.L.H.
Fuller (eds.), Pollution Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates,
Academic Press, NY.
08 Ellis, M.M. 1936. Erosion silt as a factor in aquatic
environments. Ecology 17:29-42.
09 Salanki, J. 1979. Behavioural studies in mussels under changing
environmental conditions. Symp. Biol. Hung. 19:169-176.
10 Ahlstedt, S.A. and S.R. Brown. 1980. The naiad fauna of the
Powell River in Virginia and Tennessee (Bivalvia:Unionacea). Bull.
Am. Malacol. Union 1979.:40-43.
11 Kitchel, H.E., J.C. Widlak, and R.J. Neves. 1981. The impact of
coal-mining wastes on endangered mussel populations in the Powell
River, Lee County, Virginia. Final Rep. State Water Control Board,
Richmond, VA. 26 pp.
12 Neves, R.J., G.B. Pardue, E.F. Benfield, and S.D. Dennis. 1980.
An evaluation of endangered mollusks in Virginia. Final Rep., Va.
Comm. Game Inland Fish. Proj. No. E-F-1. 140 pp.
13 Carter, L.J. 1977. Chemical plants leave unexpected legacy in two
Virginia rivers. Science 198:1015-1020.
14 Stansbery, D.H. 1984. Personal communication. Ohio State Univ.
Museum, Columbus, OH.
15 Raleigh, R.F., D.H. Bennett, and L.O. Mohn. 1978. Changes in fish
stocks after major kills in the Clinch river near St. Paul,
Virginia. Am. Midl. Nat. 99:1-9.
16 Cairns, J., Jr., J.S. Crossman, K.L. Dickson, and E.E. Herricks.
1971. The recovery of damaged streams. Assoc. Southeast. Biol.
Bull. 18:79-106.
17 Neves, R.J. 1984. Personal observations. Va. Coop. Fish. Res.
Unit, VPI & SU, Blacksburg, VA.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, MONKEYFACE, CUMBERLAND
Species Id ESIS404012
Date 13 MAR 96
18 Coker, R.E., A.F. Shira, H.W. Clark, and A.D. Howard. 1921.
Natural history and propagation of fresh-water mussels. Bull. U.S.
Bur. Fish. 37:77-181.
19 Churchill, E.P., Jr. and S.I. Lewis. 1924. Food and feeding in
freshwater mussels. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 39:439-471.
20 Stein, C.B. 1971. Naiad life cycles: their significance in the
conservation of the fauna. Pages 19-25. IN: Rare and Endangered
Mollusks (Naiads) of the U.S. U.S. Dep. Interior (FWS), Region 3,
Twin Cities, MN.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Ahlstedt, S.A. 1981. The molluscan fauna of the Duck River
between Normandy and Columbia Dams in central Tennessee. Bull.
Am. Malacol. Union 1980:60-62.
02 Tennessee Valley Authority. 1979. Unpublished report. An
evaluation of mussel populations in the Duck River, Tennessee.
Div. Water Resour., Fish Aquat. Ecol. Branch, Norris, TN. 11 pp.
03 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Recovery Plan for the
Cumberland Monkeyface Pearly Mussel, Quadrula intermedia (Conrad,
1836). Technical Draft. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4,
Atlanta, GA. 47 pp.
04 Ahlstedt, S.A. 1984. The molluscan fauna of the Elk River in
Tennessee and Alabama. Am. Malacol. Bull. 1:43-50.
05 Ahlstedt, S.A. 1984. Personal communication. TVA, Norris, TN.
06 Dennis, S.D. 1981. Mussel fauna of the Powell River, Tennessee
and Virginia. Sterkiana 71:1-7.
07 Ahlstedt, S.A. and S.R. Brown. 1980. The naiad fauna of the
Powell River in Virginia and Tennessee (Bivalvia:Unionacea). Bull.
Am. Malacol. Union 1979.:40-43.
08 Neves, R.J., G.B. Pardue, E.F. Benfield, and S.D. Dennis. 1980.
An evaluation of endangered mollusks in Virginia. Final Rep., Va.
Comm. Game Inland Fish. Proj. No. E-F-1. 140 pp.
09 Bogan, A.E. and P.W. Parmalee. 1983. Tennessee's rare wildlife
volume II: the mollusks. Tenn. Wildl. Resour. Agency, Tenn. Dep.
Conserv., and Tenn. Heritage Prog., Univ. Tenn., Knoxville, TN.
123 pp.
10 Tennessee Valley Authority. 1979. Unpublished report. An
evaluation of mussel populations in the Powell River, Tennessee
and Virginia. Div. Water Resour., Fish Aquat. Ecol. Branch,
Norris, TN. 15 pp.
11 Ortmann, A.E. 1918. The nayades (freshwater mussels) of the upper
Tennessee drainage with notes on synonymy and distribution. Proc.
Am. Phil. Soc., Phila. 57:521-626.
References - 2