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Coosa Creekshell, Villosa umbrans

Classification
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Unionoida
Family: Unionidae

Species description
The Coosa creekshell is a small, dimorphic mussel.  The periostracum ranges in color from light brown to black.  The color of the nacre varies, but it is usually salmon or orange.  The shell commonly appears pinched and often has a slight protrusion, point, or snout at the posterior end.  This is especially the case in females.

Life cycle
The breeding season and host fish for the glochidia are unknown.

Natural History
The Coosa creekshell is usually found in small to medium sized streams in the Coosa River system.  It is common in sand and gravel near the edge of stream waters and in shallow areas.  Bass and sunfish, both members of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) may be fish hosts for the glochidia of this mussel.

Range
The Coosa creekshell is endemic to the Coosa River system in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Conservation status
The Coosa creekshell is not protected, but it is identified as a species of concern because of its limited distribution and range in the Coosa River system.  This restricted range makes the animal vulnerable.

Similar species
The Coosa creekshell (V. umbrans) is similar to the Little spectaclecase (Villosa lienosa) and the two species can be difficult to distinguish from one another.  Often times V. umbrans and V. lienosa occur in the same environment.

Text by:
Elizabeth Reitz - GA MNH / UGA, Athens, GA

Poster Concept and Design:
Paul D. Johnson - Concept, TNARI, Cohutta, GA
Jeffrey C. Worley - Design, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN