Giant Floater are a fast-growing and relatively short-lived species.
Key Characteristics
- Size: Very large; length up to 10 inches
- Shape: Elliptical or Elongate and thin with beak elevated above the hinge line. Valves are inflated and the posterior end is bluntly pointed
- Periostracum: Light yellow or yellow-green to brown and black. Smaller individuals may have faint green rays.
- Lateral Teeth: Absent
- Pseudocardinal Teeth: Absent
- Nacre: White or silver, sometimes with hints of pink or yellow.
- Similar Species: creeper, cylindrical papershell
Conservation Status
- State and Global Rank: S2S3 G5
- Vermont Endangered Species Law: Threatened
- Vermont Wildlife Action Plan: Species of Greatest Conservation Need
Habitat
Found in shallow streams, lakes, and pools with fine sediment, along with areas dominated by sand and gravel with little to no flowing water.
Host Species
Freshwater drum, green sunfish, yellow perch, centrarchids.
More Information
Range
In Vermont, the giant floater is found in Lake Champlain and at least the following tributary streams: Missisquoi River, Lamoille River, Otter Creek, East Creek, Hubbardton River, Poultney River, and Winooski River. It is a species of the Interior Basin of North America reaching its northeastern range limit in the Lake Champlain drainage. This species appears to be most abundant in the Missisquoi River and littoral areas of Lake Champlain.
Distribution map has locations where this species has been documented and digitized into the atlas database. Systematic surveys have not been conducted for many species and those surveys that have been conducted have been largely focused on endangered species. Therefore, in some cases, the actual distribution of freshwater mussels may be more extensive than what is presented here. Shaded areas are watershed sub-basins and river main stems are shown.
