MUSSELS FRESHWATER 6-7cm

Freshwater mussels (bivalve molluscs) are excellent natural filters in aquariums and ponds. A single mussel can filter 8–15+ gallons of water per day, removing algae, bacteria, detritus, and fine particles, helping clarify the water and improve its quality. They act as “living filters” and provide ecosystem benefits, such as stabilising the substrate and providing habitat for small organisms. However, they are not ideal for every setup—many hobbyists report they can starve in overly clean, heavily filtered tanks or die unnoticed, causing ammonia spikes. They suit community tanks but avoid aggressive fish.

TANK SET UP: Minimum 40 litres for small mussels; larger 60-89 litres is better for stability and multiple individuals. Fine to medium sand or soft substrate for burrowing. They often bury partially or fully, with siphons exposed. Moderate flow and high oxygenation preferred (they filter best in moving water). Avoid stagnant conditions.

TANK MATE: Good with most peaceful fish and invertebrates. Avoid predators such as puffers, loaches, and certain catfish/cichlids that may eat them. They can host eggs of species such as bitterling fish.

FILTRATION: Use gentle filtration (e.g., sponge or low-flow canister) to avoid sucking up food particles or stressing them. Avoid strong power filters or UV sterilisers that overly clean the water column. Aeration (air stones, fountains) helps maintain oxygen.

MAINTENANCE: Perform 25–50% water changes twice a month (or 10–20% more frequently in ponds). Low pollution, no copper-based medications (highly toxic). They are sensitive to road salt, heavy metals, and sudden changes.

FEEDING: Crushed fish flakes/powder, algae wafers, invertebrate foods, or cultured green water (fertiliser + sunlight in a jar). They feed 24 hours a day. In clean aquariums, they often starve without supplementation.

NOTE: Starvation is common in hobbyist tanks. They do best in ponds or heavily planted/bio-loaded systems with natural food sources.

In mussel-only or lightly stocked setups, minimal or no additional filtration may be needed.