Periostracum is generally smooth and shiny with concentric growth lines.
Valves usually contain one to several short spines, perpendicular to the shell surface.
ESIS404010 Date 13 MAR 96 Stansbery. The species has this status wherever found including the State of North Carolina. State Law, Subsection 113.272.4, prohibits the collection of wildlife, including freshwater mussels, without a permit. No commercial values are known, 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.