Pyganodon cataracta, formerly Anodonta cataracta, is a species of large freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusc in the family Unionidae, the river mussels. Its common name is the eastern floater.
| Pyganodon cataracta | |
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| The pearly interior of a valve of Pyganodon cataracta at the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Unionida |
| Family: | Unionidae |
| Genus: | Pyganodon |
| Species: | P. cataracta
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| Binomial name | |
| Pyganodon cataracta (Say, 1817)
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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List
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Subspecies edit
- Pyganodon cataracta subsp. cataracta
- Pyganodon cataracta subsp. marginata
Description edit
Pyganodon cataracta can reach a size of 10–15 centimetres (3.9–5.9 in).
Distribution and habitat edit
This mussel is present in freshwater habitats along the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Alabama to some parts of Canada. It is typically found in soft-bottomed ponds, rivers and small lakes.
Taxonomy edit
Like many other of its relatives, the eastern floater was thought to be in the genus Anodonta, but was since moved to other genera such as Pyganodon, Utterbackia, and more.[3]
References edit
- ^ Cummings, K. & Cordeiro, J. (2012). "Pyganodon cataracta". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T189007A1917221. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T189007A1917221.en. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ "Pyganodon cataracta (Say, 1817)". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ https://www.molluscabase.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=1351487
- Richard A. Tankersley - Larval Brooding by the Freshwater Unionid Mussel Anodonta Cataracta - Wake Forest University. Department of Biology, 1992
- The Freshwater Mussels (Unionoida) of the World
- Catalogue of Life
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