Potomida littoralis


Potomida littoralis is a species of freshwater bivalve belonging to the family Unionidae. It is sometimes known as black river mussel.

Distribution and habitat

The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Potomida further east are now assigned to other species.
Potomida littoralis typically occurs in the middle to lower river sections, but can occasionally be found in the upper parts of the calcium-rich rivers.

Reproduction

In the Iberian Peninsula, gravid females are observed from March through October. Its known hosts are all cyprinids.

Conservation

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, this species is endangered and in decline. Canalization of river channels, water pollution, and dam construction are major threats. Water extraction is harming populations in much of its range except in France. The distribution of P. littoralis in the Iberian peninsula and in France is highly fragmented.