
ESA002-00345
A critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) displaying its blue-white mantle. These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to such as impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.
Keywords
- black background
- capsaeformis
- captivity
- Clinch River
- Close-up
- critically endangered
- epioblasma
- epioblasma capsaeformis
- federally endangered
- Freshwater mussel
- high angle view
- imperil
- mantle
- mussel
- oyster
- oyster mussel
- Photo Ark
- Portrait
- rare
- Studio Portraits
- studio shot
This photo © Joel Sartore 2022. Image usage guidelines

This photo is part of the Photo Ark.