Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Eastern Pondmussel

Ligumia nasuta

Species of Special Concern

Key Features

Size: Up to six inches.

Shape: Narrow and elongate, tapering to a blunt point posteriorly. Females are often distinctly more rounded along the posterior ventral margin. Valves laterally compressed, thin, and strong.

Periostracum: Color yellowish or greenish-black (juveniles) to dark brown or black (adults). Shell rays are often only visible in juveniles or light-colored adults.

Lateral Teeth: Present but delicate. Two on the left valve and one on the right valve.

Pseudocardinal Teeth: Present but delicate. One or two on both the left valve and right valve.
Nacre: Color usually silvery-white, pinkish, or purple.

Often Confused With ... Not easily confused with any other species in Connecticut, although the eastern pearlshell may have a similar elongate shape.

External shell of Eastern Pondmussel

External shell

Internal shell, right valve of Eastern Pondmussel

Internal shell, right valve

Hinge teeth of Eastern Pondmussel

Hinge teeth

Range map of Eastern PondmusselHabitat: The eastern pondmussel inhabits a variety of habitats such as coastal ponds, streams, and rivers.

Range in Connecticut: Known from the Connecticut River watershed and south-central coastal watersheds.

Conservation: The eastern pondmussel is listed as special concern in Connecticut. Many of its historic populations are thought to be extirpated or in decline, and there are few remaining populations that are considered healthy and stable. Environmental pollution and habitat degradation are considered the primary reasons for its decline. It is also listed as special concern in Massachusetts.

Freshwater Mussel Fact Sheets

Eastern Pearlshell
Dwarf Wedgemussel
Triangle Floater
Brook Floater
Creeper
Eastern Elliptio
Eastern Floater
Alewife Floater
Eastern Pondmussel
Tidewater Mucket
Yellow Lampmussel
Eastern Lampmussel

The Freshwater Mussels of Connecticut

Content last updated on January 29, 2014.