The Glenelg Freshwater Mussel is a sedentary, bivalve mollusc that attains 51–80 mm in length. The shell is strong and almond-shaped, with a rounded posterior border, and both the umbo (peak along the hinge line) and the shell surface are marked with fine sculpture (wrinkles). The Maximum Height Index (MHI), the ratio of maximum height of the shell to its length used to distinguish mollusks, is about 50% for the species. The periostracum (flaky shell covering) is olive-green in immature individuals and dark purple-brown in mature individuals.
Glenelg Freshwater Mussel |
Hyridella glenelgensis
Status: Critically Endangered on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Hyridella glenelgensis
Low flows and cessations in flow are a serious threat to mussels and are increasing due to eucalyptus plantations and prolonged drought (SKM; 2008).
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