15 Creatures Known to Devour Freshwater Mussels

Freshwater mussels are small but mighty creatures that help keep our rivers and lakes clean. But these helpful molluscs aren’t without their own predators. From fish to mammals, birds to reptiles, a surprising number of animals enjoy munching on mussels. Some crack them open with powerful jaws, while others use clever tricks to pry them apart. Let’s explore 15 creatures that have developed a taste for these shelled snacks, and discover how they manage to break through the mussels’ hard defences.

Otters

Otters are skilled hunters both in and out of the water. They use their sharp teeth and strong paws to crack open mussel shells. Otters often bring mussels to the shore or onto rocks to eat them, leaving behind piles of empty shells as evidence of their feasts. Their thick fur and high metabolism allow them to hunt in cold waters where many mussels thrive. Otters can consume up to 25% of their body weight in food daily, making mussels an important part of their diet in some areas.

Muskrats

These semi-aquatic rodents are fond of freshwater mussels. Muskrats use their strong front teeth to pry open the shells and extract the soft insides. They can sometimes be seen carrying mussels to the shore to eat them in peace. Muskrats’ ability to hold their breath for up to 15 minutes allows them to forage for mussels in deeper waters. Their webbed hind feet and water-repellent fur make them efficient swimmers and divers when hunting for mussels.

Raccoons

Raccoons are opportunistic eaters and will happily munch on mussels when they find them. Their dexterous paws and sharp teeth make quick work of mussel shells. Raccoons often hunt for mussels in shallow waters or along shorelines. Their excellent night vision gives them an advantage when foraging for mussels after dark. Raccoons have been known to wash their food before eating, which may help remove sand or grit from mussels.

Flathead Catfish

These large, bottom-dwelling fish have powerful jaws that can crush mussel shells. Flathead catfish will scoop up mussels from the riverbed and swallow them whole. Their strong stomach acids help break down the shells. Flathead catfish can grow up to 1.5 metres long, allowing them to tackle even large mussel species. They use their keen sense of smell and taste to locate buried mussels in murky waters.

Freshwater Drum

Also known as sheepshead, these fish have strong, flat teeth perfect for crushing shells. Freshwater drum often feed on mussels in deeper waters. They use their sensitive barbels to locate mussels buried in the sediment. The drum’s ability to produce a croaking sound with its swim bladder has earned it the nickname “croaker” in some regions. Freshwater drum have been found with over 100 mussels in their stomachs, showcasing their voracious appetite for these molluscs.

Common Carp

Carp have specially adapted throats that can crush shells. They suck up mussels from the bottom of lakes and rivers. Carp then grind the shells between bony plates in their throats, called pharyngeal teeth. Their ability to tolerate poor water quality allows carp to access mussel populations in areas where other predators might not venture. Carp’s feeding habits can stir up sediment, which may inadvertently expose more mussels for them to eat.

Mink

These sleek, semi-aquatic mammals are skilled mussel hunters. Minks use their sharp teeth to crack open mussel shells. They often hunt for mussels along the edges of streams and rivers. Minks’ slender bodies allow them to chase mussels into small crevices where larger predators can’t reach. Their thick, water-repellent fur keeps them warm and dry while foraging for mussels in cold waters.

Tufted Duck

These diving ducks are known for their love of mussels. Tufted ducks can dive up to 6 metres deep to find their prey. They swallow mussels whole and crush the shells in their gizzards. Their ability to stay underwater for up to a minute allows them to thoroughly search the lake bottom for mussels. Tufted ducks have been observed gathering in large numbers at sites with abundant mussel populations.

Hooded Merganser

These fish-eating ducks also enjoy a mussel meal now and then. Hooded mergansers use their serrated bills to grip slippery mussels. They often bring mussels to the surface before swallowing them whole. Their excellent underwater vision helps them spot mussels even in murky waters. Hooded mergansers can open and close their crests, which may help them communicate with each other while foraging for mussels.

Map Turtles

These aquatic turtles have wide, flat jaws perfect for crushing shells. Map turtles often target smaller mussels that are easier to crack. They use their sharp claws to help pry mussels from rocks or the riverbed. Female map turtles grow much larger than males, allowing them to eat larger mussels. Map turtles’ diet can sometimes be inferred from the growth rings on their shells, which may show periods of abundant mussel consumption.

Snapping Turtles

With their powerful jaws, snapping turtles make short work of mussel shells. They hunt for mussels along the bottom of lakes and rivers. Snapping turtles can swallow smaller mussels whole or crush larger ones with their beak-like jaws. Their long necks allow them to reach mussels hiding in crevices or under overhangs. Snapping turtles have been known to live for over 100 years, potentially consuming thousands of mussels in their lifetime.

Water Voles

These small, mouse-like creatures enjoy a varied diet that includes mussels. Water voles use their sharp incisors to crack open mussel shells. They often eat mussels right at the water’s edge, leaving behind piles of broken shells. Water voles’ ability to swim and dive helps them access mussels in shallow waters. Their droppings can sometimes contain pearl-like structures, formed from undigested pieces of mussel shell.

Great Blue Herons

These tall wading birds sometimes snack on mussels in shallow waters. Great blue herons use their long, sharp beaks to pry mussels open. They often shake or bash mussels against rocks to break them open. Their patience and stillness while hunting allow them to surprise mussels that might otherwise close up at the first sign of danger. Great blue herons have been observed teaching their young how to hunt and eat mussels.

River Otters

Cousins to the sea otter, river otters are also fond of mussels. They use their sharp teeth and strong jaws to crack open shells. River otters are known to bring mussels onto shore or floating logs to eat them more easily. Their playful nature sometimes leads to them using mussels as toys, tossing them in the air before eating them. River otters’ scat often contains crushed mussel shells, helping researchers track their diet and movement patterns.

Freshwater Crayfish

These small crustaceans can be surprisingly effective mussel predators. Crayfish use their strong claws to pry open mussel shells. They often target young or weakened mussels that are easier to open. Crayfish’s ability to walk sideways and backwards helps them manoeuvre around mussel beds with ease. Some crayfish species have been observed working together to open larger mussels, showcasing their problem-solving skills.

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