Freshwater Pearl Mussel

The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a champion of longevity, with a lifespan that can exceed 210 years. This unassuming bivalve resides in pristine, fast-flowing rivers, often spending its entire century-long life partially buried in the gravel bed. Its incredible age is a testament to a incredibly slow metabolism and a remarkably stable, low-stress environment. Acting as a vital water filter, its presence indicates a healthy ecosystem. This mussel's long life is a silent, slow-motion record of centuries of environmental history.