The Large Freshwater Mussels (Margaritiferidae, Unionidae and Dreissenidae) of Sweden
There are in total 32 species of freshwater mussels found in Sweden. Among these 24 species belong to the family Sphaeriidae (Sphaeriid- and Pisid-mussels). They are small (length: 2 - 12 mm), bottom dwelling filter feeders. All of them show a broad spectrum of ecological demands but are unfortunately difficult to identify.
Three different species of Sphaeriid- and Pisid-mussels: (from left to right) Spaerium corneum, Musculium lacustre and Pisidium casertanum
Eight large freshwater mussels
The other eight species are commonly known as "large freshwater mussels". All of them are, with one exception, bottom dwelling filter feeders. Living mussels are found burrowed in the sediment with their anterior end upwards and their siphons open to the water current. Some of the species are mostly found in lakes and ponds, but all the species of large freshwater mussels in Sweden can be found in stream waters. The Identification Key presented here will work as a tool to identify the eight species of large freshwater mussels found in Sweden.
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