FRESHWATER pearl mussel

(Margaritifera margaritifera)

THE FRESHWATER PEARL MUSSEL IS ONE OF THE OLDEST ANIMAL SPECIES IN THE SWEDISH FAUNA. THE HIGHEST DOCUMENTED AGE OF A MUSSEL IS ABOUT 270 YEARS OLD. THE MUSSELS ARE STRONGLY THREATENED AND WITHOUT CONCRETE CONSERVATION ACTIONS, ITS FUTURE TO SURVIVE IS UNCERTAIN. THE MUSSELS THRIVE BEST IN CLEAN, UNPOLLUTED WATERCOURSES AND IS DEPENDENT ON THE OCCURRENCE OF EITHER TROUT OR SALMON IN THE SAME WATERSYSTEM FOR ITS REPRODUCTION.