It secretes the materials that form the shell. Mantle flap Large, often colorful, fish-like structure on the mantle margin of species in the genus Lampsilis. Metamorphose Changing into a different physical form. Naiad Common name of freshwater mussels of the Superfamily Unionacea. Palps Structures that surround the mouth.
Food is sorted here.
Suitable particles that are received from the gills are taken into the mouth and digested. Non-suitable food is rejected, falls on the mantle tissue, and is transported from the inhalent siphon. Point discharge pollution Discharge of pollutants by one specific source. Shell Hard outer covering of the mussel, composed of proteinaceous and crystalline calcium carbonate elements. During winter, growth slows or stops, and rings of darkened lines or ridges form on the outside of the shell.