Ohio Pigtoe - Pleurobema cordatum
Federal Status: Not listed (Watters 1995)
Ohio Status: Endangered (Watters 1995)
Key characteristics: Triangular shell, umbos projecting forward, sulcus present, deep beak cavity (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
Similar species: All other pigtoes (Fusconaia and Pleurobema) (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
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) (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
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 (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
Hosts: Rosefin shiner (Watters 1995).
Habitat: Medium to large rivers in sand or gravel in areas with moderate flow (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
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