Lampsilis

habitat has been affected by siltation, erosion, polluted runoff, impoundment, channelization, and habitat fragmentation. Due to these environmetal changes, even common and widespread species have declined dramatically from historic levels. Mussels are important indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Their complex life cycle requires a healthy fish community, stable substrates, and relatively clean water. Changes in water quality, channel stability, or fish density and diversity are usually reflected by a decline in abundance or a loss of species within the mussel community. Monitoring the health and diversity of the mussels within a drainage system is an important tool in aquatic ecosystem management.
the fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), use their mantle as bait for a passing fish. These mussels wave their specialized mantles, which resemble minnows, crawfish, worms or other small aquatic animals. When a fish is attracted, the female mussel retracts her mantel and releases her glochidia. The fish receives a mouth full of larvae which attach themselves to the host fish.

References:
Hartfield, E. 2004. FRESHWATER MUSSELS OF