[5][6] It can be found in the substrate at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers.

Size is variable, but can reach up to 13 centimetres (5.1 in) in length.

[9] Like most Unionidae, Elliptio complanata begins as an egg within the gills of the female elliptio, matures into a glochidium, attaches itself to a host fish species and then becomes a juvenile mussel.

Elliptio complanata is known to attach to several fish species including American eel Anguilla rostrata, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, mottled sculpin Cottus bairdii, and slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus.

[10] Media related to Elliptio complanata at Wikimedia Commons