Do you enjoy fishing, swimming, or canoeing? If so, you have freshwater mussels to thank for keeping our rivers and streams clean and clear.
Nature’s Built-In Water Filters
These often-overlooked animals act as natural filtration systems, quietly doing a job most of us never see. Think of them as nature’s own built-in water purifiers for rivers and streams. By removing algae, bacteria, and pollutants from the water, mussels help keep these ecosystems healthy for wildlife and for the people who depend on them.
A Unique Lifecycle
In addition to being hardworking cleaners, mussel have one of the most fascinating life cycles!
Their larvae, called glochidia, are microscopic and cannot survive on their own. Instead, they temporarily hitch a ride on the gills or fins of fish, where they grow and develop. Some mussel species even use part of their body, called a mantle, to create lures that mimic prey such as worms or small fish, tricking fish into getting close. Once mature, they drop off and settle into the riverbed, beginning the lifecycle all over again.
This unique relationship means mussels and fish are closely connected, so when fish populations struggle, mussels do too.
Why It Matters in Ohio
Here in Ohio, that connection matters. Our state is home to one of the most diverse freshwater mussel populations in North America, with over 60 species in our waterways. From the purple wartyback to the catspaw, these fascinating creatures spend their life hidden beneath the riverbed, quietly supporting the health of our water. Some species can even live for decades, sometimes more than 50 years, doing this important work the entire time.
But many of these freshwater mussel species are now at risk. Pollution, habitat loss, and disruptions to fish movement (such as dams) have taken a huge toll on their populations, making recovery challenging.
The Big Darby Creek watershed is one of the most ecologically significant watersheds in Ohio, and it serves as a significant habitat for many of these species. However, it faces many pressures from development and pollution. To learn more about efforts focused on protecting the Darby, visit Protect Big and Little Darby Creeks - Ohio Environmental Council. Protecting this area is not only vital for mussels, but for all wildlife that calls it home.
Working Together to Protect Mussels
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to be involved in freshwater mussel conservation through the AZA SAFE North American Freshwater Mussel program, a collaborative effort focused on research, recovery, and public awareness.
The Zoo also collaborates with partners at the Watters Aquatic Conservation Facility, where mussels are propagated, studied, and prepared for reintroduction into local waterways – including areas like the Big Darby Creek watershed.
See Mussels Up Close
Want to learn more about these fascinating creatures? Join us for Earth Day festivities starting April 25, 2026 at the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation (OCWC) in our North America Trek region, where we’ll be hosting a special pop-up exhibit all about freshwater mussels. You can find this interactive exhibit at the following locations throughout the month of May:
OCWC at the Zoo: April 25, May 3, and May 5-8, 2026
Hilliard Branch Library: May 11-18, 2026
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park: May 18-25, 2026
This pop-up exhibit is made possible through collaboration with our partners at Ohio Environmental Council, The Ohio State University’s Museum of Biological Diversity and Arts and Science Department, Metro Parks, Columbus Metropolitan Libraries, and the Watters Aquatic Conservation Facility.
Protect Mussels
So, next time you’re enjoying the water, take a moment to appreciate the freshwater mussels working quietly behind the scenes to keep it clean. These mighty animals play a big role in the health of our rivers, but they need our help.
By protecting waterways, supporting conservation efforts, and spreading the word, we can all help ensure freshwater mussels are able to thrive for generations to come.
