Pleurobema plenum (Lea, 1840)
Rough pigtoe
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Pleurobema plenum, INHS 13609. Barren River, Warren County, Kentucky.
Length: 3.0 inches (7.6 cm).
Other common names Pigtoe.
Key characters Shell shaped like an equilateral triangle, with a brown, satinlike appearance and a moderately deep beak cavity.
Similar species All other pigtoes (Fusconaia and Pleurobema).
Description Shell somewhat triangular, higher than long, moderately
thick, and inflated. Anterior and posterior ends rounded. Dorsal and ventral
margins curved. Umbos inflated and elevated above the hinge line. Beak
sculpture of two or three elevated ridges. Shell textured, with a satin-like
appearance. Periostracum yellowish brown or light brown in small shells,
becoming dark brown in adults, with faint green rays visible near the beaks in
some shells. Length to 4 inches (10.2 cm).
Pseudocardinal teeth well developed; two in the left valve, one in the right. Lateral teeth straight. Beak cavity moderately deep. Nacre usually white, occasionally pink.
Habitat Medium to large rivers in sand or gravel.
Status Federally Endangered.
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Created 6/9/95 Last Modified 12/15/97 cam