A Survey of Mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Platte River System and Associated Irrigation and Hydropower Canal and Lake systems West of Overton, Nebraska

Authors

Mark M. Peyton, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
Jeremiah L. Maher, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District

Date of this Version

1995

Comments

1995. Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences, 22: 43-48. Copyright © 1995 Peyton and Maher.

Abstract

More than 8,000 specimens of freshwater mussels, representing ten species, were identified from the Platte River, seven irrigation canals and ten canal lakes west of Overton, Nebraska. Only 18 of these identified specimens, representing five species, were collected from the Platte River, indicating the canal and lake systems associated with the Platte River provide more habitat for freshwater mussels than the river. Population estimates for five canals and three lakes are given. A review of previous mussel surveys as well as species lists and hypotheses regarding habitat preferences are discussed.