(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
OTHER COMMON NAMES - MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-; BLOSSOM and YELLOW-
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Aquatic Molluscs
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MOLLUSCA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - BIVALVIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - UNIONOIDA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - UNIONIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - EPIOBLASMA,
SPECIES AND SSP - FLORENTINA, FLORENTINA
SCIENTIFIC NAME - EPIOBLASMA FLORENTINA FLORENTINA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Yellow-blossom Pearly Mussel
Epioblasma florentina florentina (Lea, 1857)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Clam
PHYLUM: Mollusca CLASS: Bivalvia
ORDER: Unionoida FAMILY: Unionidae
E. f. florentina is a medium-sized Cumberlandian species,
considered to be a big river form grading into the headwater form
E. f. walkeri or E. walkeri (01,02,03). The following description is
based on a recent review of this genus (04): specimens < 60 mm in
length, shell outline elliptical or irregularly obovate; dorsal margin
straight with short hinge ligament; umbos full and elevated;
periostracum with obvious growth lines, subshiny, yellow to
yellow-brown with many green rays over entire surface.
Sexual dimorphism occurs in this species. The posterior end of
males is slightly produced whereas the female is broadly rounded
(04). The ventral margin is uniformly curved in the male and almost
straight in the female. Females have a marsupial swelling posteriorly
extending well below the base. There is a double but faint posterior
ridge on the male; ridge is inconspicuous on females. A radial
depression is in front of the posterior ridge in the male. Marsupial
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
swelling of the female is usually with sulcus before and behind.
Umbos are slightly anterior of middle on males; in the anterior third
of the shell on females. Nacre is bluish-white in the species,
irridescent in posterior end of female.
Some authors consider this species to have 3 forms; E. f.
florentina, southeastern large river form; E. f. curtisii in the
Ozark Region of Missouri; and E. f. walkeri, southeastern headwater
form (05). All 3 subspecies are federally listed, but the form
walkeri is given species status (06). Controversy still exists as to
the valid generic name for this group of species; Epioblasma,
Dysnomia, or Plagiola. All three have been used in the recent
literature. A discussion of these generic names was presented in 1978
(04).
Detailed descriptions and photographs of E. f. florentina are
included in previous publications (01,04,05).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Alabama; Federal Endangered
Alabama; Unofficially Listed
Kentucky; Federal Endangered
Kentucky; State Recognized
Tennessee; Federal Endangered
Tennessee; State Listed
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The yellow-blossom pearly mussel (Epioblasma florentina
florentina) 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 subspecies has this status
wherever found including the States of Alabama, Kentucky, and
Tennessee.
This subspecies 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
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Alabama
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Extirpated, Bulletin No.2, Endangered and
Threatened Plants and Animals of Alabama,
Alabama Museum of Natural History.
STATE: Kentucky and Tennessee
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered (TN), Recognized Endangered (KY)
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: (Kentucky) Department of Fish and
Wildlife Resources.
(Tennessee) Wildlife Resources Agency.
STATE STATUTES: (Kentucky) Fish and Wildlife Codes, 150.183,
Importing, transporting or possessing endangered
species of wildlife.
(Tennessee) Annotated Code, Chapter 9,
Sec 51-901 through 51-912, Proclamation 75-15,
76-4, and amendments.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The yellow-blossom pearly mussel is listed in appendix I of CITES
and listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book, 1983.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
There are no known commercial values for this species, however,
its 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 - Proposal - 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 -
E. f. florentina is a riverine species that once ranged from the
headwaters of small rivers to the main channel Tennessee River (05).
It is probably a riffle and shoal species living in sand and gravel
substrates with moderate to swift current (05). It is undoubtedly
sedentary as are other Epioblasma, apparently intolerant of silt and
water pollution, and requires ample water flow for survival. Eight
species of Epioblasma, now extinct, were recorded from riffles of
large rivers (11).
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 habitat during
its life cycle would have affected the survival of remnant
populations. Habitat requirements or associations for the juvenile
stage are unknown. Specific environmental requirements for the adults
are also unknown.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
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, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
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, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
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. 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
(12,13). No study of the food habits of the yellow-blossom has ever
been conducted; required/preferred foods are therefore unknown.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Non-territorial. The species is apparently sedentary during its
adult life and generally occurs in rivers with others of its kind.
PERIODICITY:
No information is available on this subject for E. f. florentina,
but other Epioblasma exhibit a seasonal periodicity (14). During the
glochidial release period in spring, specimens are readily visible in
the stream bottom. After this period, these species burrow in the
substrate with only siphons exposed.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Non-migratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Based on available reports of Epioblasma spp. (01,05), this
species probably occupies river shoals with swift current and stable
substrate. No species-specific information on cover/shelter is
available in the literature.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
The yellow-blossom is a shoal species that occurs in small to
large rivers in sand and gravel substrates (05). Since this species
is apparently sedentary and movement is inconsequential, this is the
type of environment where all life history processes were carried out,
including reproduction.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
The reproductive cycle of E. f. florentina is similar presumably
to other Epioblasma spp. (01). During spawning, males discharge
sperm into the water column, and the sperm are taken in by the
females during siphoning. 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 to attach to a suitable host for metamorphosis to the
free-living stage.
The yellow-blossom is probably a long-term breeder (01), spawning
in late summer, retaining glochidia through fall and winter, and
releasing glochidia the following spring/summer. The fish host(s) are
unknown.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
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.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Developing/maintaining stream structures
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Mining
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 Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Underground Mines
Existing Underground Mines
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Siltation
Existing Siltation
Adverse Water Temperature Alteration
Existing Water Temperature Alteration
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 Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse
Existing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The mussel fauna in most streams of the Tennessee River drainage
has been impacted by dam construction, channelization, siltation, and
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
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. Although siltation has been
suggested as the most significant adverse effect 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).
Water pollution has probably contributed to the decline of this
species and other Epioblasma spp. Acid mine drainage in tributaries
of the Cumberland River has nearly eliminated the most diverse group
of Epioblasma (10). Numerous tributaries of the upper Tennessee River
drainage were polluted already by the twentieth century and the mussel
fauna was in a decline at that time (02).
The genus Epioblasma has been considered the most highly
developed and recently evolved group of mussel species, with at least
8 of then that have recently become extinct (06,11). The decline of
E. f. florentina and extinction of other Epioblasma cannot be
explained but appears to be symptomatic of a general synecological
problem that exists between Epioblasma and chronic environmental
changes that have occurred and apparently are continuing in
southeastern rivers. Because this species is so rare (possibly
extinct), the causes for its decline will remain conjectural.
Substantial mussel die-offs of unknown origin have
occurred in the Tennessee River drainage since 1982 and have
likely reduced population numbers. Future die-offs pose a
direct threat to species' survival.
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Recovery Plan for the
Tubercled-blossom, Turgid-blossom, and Yellow-blossom Pearly Mussels.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. 42 pp.
Recovery actions for the yellow-blossom pearly mussel include:
(1) Conduct intensive surveys to determine if the species is still
extant.
(2) Once found, identify essential habitat in need of protection.
(3) Utilize existing regulations to protect the species and its
habitat (e.g., controlling take and other factors adversely affecting
the habitat).
(4) Determine present and forseeable threats to the species and
strive to minimize and or eliminate them. These negative impacts
typically include dredging, strip mining, industrial development, road
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
and bridge construction, installation and operation of sewage
treatment plants, and the use of herbicides, pesticides and farm
fertilizers. 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).
(5) Utilize artificial culture techniques to produce juvenile mussels
for reintroduction in augmenting populations.
Except for enforcement of existing regulations, there are
presently no specific recovery actions involving this species.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Recovery Plan for the
Tubercled-blossom Pearly Mussel [Epioblasma (=Dysnomia) torulosa
torulosa], Turgid-blossom Pearly Mussel [Epioblasma (=Dysnomia)
turgidula], Yellow-blossom Pearly Mussel [Epioblasma (=Dysnomia)
florentina florentina. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Asheville,
NC. 42 pp.
02 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.
03 Wilson, C.B. and H.W. Clark. 1914. The mussels of the Cumberland
River and its tributaries. U.S. Bur. Fish. Doc. No.781. 63 pp.
04 Johnson, R.I. 1978. Systematics and zoogeography of Plagiola
(=Dysnomia=Epioblasma) an almost extinct genus of freshwater
mussels (Bivalvia:Unionidae) from middle North America. Bull. Mus.
Comp. Zool. 148:239-321.
05 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.
06 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Recovery Plan for the Tan
Riffle Shell Mussel (Epioblasma walkeri). U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Atlanta, GA. 59 pp.
07 Fuller, S.L.H. 1974. Clams and Mussels (Mollusca:Bivalvia).
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. 1931. Some factors affecting the replacement of the
commercial fresh-water mussels. U.S. Bur. Fish. Circ. No.7.
10 pp.
09 Salanki, J. 1979. Behavioural studies in mussels under changing
environmental conditions. Symp. Biol. Hung. 19:169-176.
10 Neel, J.K. and W. Allen. 1964. The mussel fauna of the upper
Cumberland Basin before its impoundment. Malacologia 1:427-459.
11 Stansbery, D.H. 1971. Rare and endangered mollusks in eastern
United States. Pages 5-18. IN: S.E. Jorgenson and R.E. Sharp
(eds.), Proceedings of a symposium on rare and endangered mollusks
(naiades) of the U.S. Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
12 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.
Fish. 37:77-181.
13 Churchill, E.P., Jr. and S.I. Lewis. 1924. Food and feeding in
freshwater mussels. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 39:439-471.
14 Neves, R.J. 1984. Personal observations. Va. Coop. Fish. Res.
Unit, VPI & SU, Blacksburg, VA.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Stansbery, D.H. 1971. Rare and endangered mollusks in eastern
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, BLOSSOM, YELLOW-
Species Id ESIS404016
Date 13 MAR 96
United States. Pages 5-18. IN: S.E. Jorgenson and R.E. Sharp
(eds.), Proceedings of a symposium on rare and endangered mollusks
(naiades) of the U.S. Bur. Sport Fish. Wildl., U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
02 Stansbery, D.H. 1976. Naiad mollusks. Pages 45-52. Endangered
and threatened plants and animals of Alabama. Bull. Ala. Mus. Nat.
Hist. No.2.
03 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Recovery Plan for the
Tubercled-blossom Pearly Mussel [Epioblasma (=Dysnomia) torulosa
torulosa], Turgid-blossom Pearly Mussel [Epioblasma (=Dysnomia)
turgidula], Yellow-blossom Pearly Mussel [Epioblasma (=Dysnomia)
florentina florentina. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Asheville,
NC. 42 pp.
04 Tennessee Valley Authority. 1972. Unpublished data. Biological
evaluation of the Little Tennessee River Basin Tellico Project.
Div. Environ. Res. Develop., Muscle Shoals, AL. 15 pp.
05 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.
06 Ortmann, A.E. 1925. The naiad fauna of the Tennessee River system
below Walden Gorge. Am. Midl. Nat. 9:321-372.
07 Isom, B.G., P. Yokley, Jr., and C.H. Gooch. 1973. Mussels of the
Elk River Basin in Alabama and Tennessee, 1965 - 1967. Am. Midl.
Nat. 89:442-446.
08 Marsh, P. 1985. List of shells collected in central Tennessee by
A.A. Hinkley and P. Marsh with notes on species. Published by
author, Aledo, IL. 10 pp.
09 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.
10 Neel, J.K. and W. Allen. 1964. The mussel fauna of the upper
Cumberland Basin before its impoundment. Malacologia 1:427-459.
11 Ahlstedt, S.A. 1985. Personal communication. Tennessee Valley
Authority, Office of Natural Resources, Ridgeway Road, Norris, TN
37828.
References - 2