Classification: State Special Concern
Interior
Exterior
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Rafinesque described this species in 1820. As with most species of the genus Lampsilis, the wavyrayed lampmussel exhibits sexual dimorphism in shell shape. Females are relatively circular, while males are more elliptical. The periostracum is a shiny golden yellow with wavy green rays usually distributed over the entire shell surface. The nacre is white to bluish white and may be iridescent in fresh shells. The pseudocardinal teeth are triangular; two in the left valve, one in the right. Lateral teeth are slightly curved.
Shell Anatomy
Fish hosts for this species include the small and largemouth bass (Zale and Neves 1982, Watson 1999). The sexual dimorphism in shell shape suggests that this species, like many other members of the genus Lampsilis, is bradytictic. Females in the Little Tennessee River display exceptional variability in the types of mimics used to attract the fish host.
General Life History For Mussels