Ohio pigtoe
Pleurobema cordatum (Rafinesque, 1820) |
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Ohio pigtoe |
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| Pleurobema cordatum, INHS 780. Wabash River, White County, Illinois. Length: 3.2 inches (8.1 cm).
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| Other common names Pigtoe.
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| Key characters Triangular shell, umbos projecting forward, sulcus
present, deep beak cavity.
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| Similar species All other pigtoes (Fusconaia and
Pleurobema).
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| Description Shell moderately thick, triangular, and moderately
inflated. Anterior end rounded, posterior end bluntly pointed. Dorsal margin
straight, ventral margin curved anteriorly, straight posteriorly. Umbos
moderately high and projecting forward. Beak sculpture of two or three elevated
ridges. Shell smooth, a broad shallow sulcus present in front of the posterior
ridge. Periostracum dark brown or chestnut, juveniles often lighter and marked
with green rays, particularly near the beaks. Length to 4 inches (10.2 cm). Pseudocardinal teeth well developed; two in the left valve, one in the right. Lateral teeth straight to slightly curved. Beak cavity very deep. Nacre variable, usually white, occasionally pink or rose-colored in some individuals.
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| Habitat Medium to large rivers in sand or gravel in areas with moderate
flow.
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Status Widespread but sporadic in the Ohio River and its tributaries.
Endangered in Ohio. Species of Special Concern in Illinois and Indiana.
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