Inland Floater (Glochidium Larva stage)

Freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams throughout North America.

As larvae, they are parasitic and absorb nutrients from the blood or tissues of a host fish; adults are filter feeders on plankton and detritus.

Larvae must attach to the gills or fins of a host fish to complete their development into juvenile mussels. If they fail to find a host, they perish.

They pose no risk to humans. As adults, they are ecologically vital as 'natural filters' that improve water quality and serve as bioindicators for ecosystem health.