Growth Lines main content.
Growth Lines
Note: In temperate latitudes such as the metro region growth lines are laid down annually. Complete growth lines may thus be counted to approximate mussel age.
Anodonta implicataalewife floater
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Ligumia nasutaeastern pondmussel
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Growth lines vary among species, appearing as concentric circles of ridges or contrasting bands of color that mark the stages of growth. |
Lampsilis cariosayellow lampmussel
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Pyganodon cataractaeastern floater
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The color and texture of the periostracum may conceal or highlight the pattern and color of the growth lines. |