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Note: Red text
is defined in the Glossary
Description
R. I. Johnson described this species in 1984. The shell
shape of the Waccamaw fatmucket is sexually
dimorphic. In males, the posterior
ridge is angular (sometimes bi-angulate),
while in females the posterior slope
is broadly rounded to accommodate the marsupium.
The periostracum is golden yellow to
brown with green rays along the posterior
third or more of the shell. The nacre has
a pink-lavender cast. The marsupium has a dark margin. Two well
developed pseudocardinal teeth are
found in the left valve; one well developed
pseudocardinal tooth in the right valve,
one vestigial. Lateral
teeth are short and straight, two in the left, one in the
right. The male Waccamaw fatmucket may be confused with the Waccamaw
spike; however, the spike has a much more angular posterior
ridge and rarely has discernable rays on the periostracum.
Genetics work by Stiven and Alderman (1992) suggests that the Waccamaw
fatmucket is very closely related to the eastern lampmussel. Additional
studies are recommended to confirm these findings.
Distribution
(see map)
The
Waccamaw fatmucket is restricted to Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina.
Distribution by
County: Columbus Co. (Lake Waccamaw)
NOTE: All headwater areas that flow into these occupied habitats
should receive special management.
Habitat Preferences
Highest densities of this species are found in the "deep sand
region" of Lake Waccamaw (Porter 1985).
Life History
This species is a bradytictic brooder;
females may be gravid from September
to June (Porter 1985). No fish hosts
have been identified for this species at this time.
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