About Lampsilis ovata (Say, 1817)
Lampsilis ovata, commonly known as the pocketbook mussel, is a species of freshwater mussel. It is a bivalve mollusk that belongs to Unionidae, the family of river mussels. This species is endemic to eastern North America. Lampsilis ovata uses aggressive mimicry to lure large predatory fish like large-mouth bass. Its mantle grows into a shape that resembles a fish, which it uses as a lure. When a predatory fish strikes the lure, the mussel ejects its larvae into the fish's mouth. The larvae attach themselves to the fish's gills, feeding on the fish's blood for several weeks. This process does not cause apparent harm to the host fish. Once the feeding period ends, the larvae drop off the fish to begin the life cycle again.
