Fusconaia escambia, the narrow pigtoe, is a freshwater bivalve mussel found in Alabama and northwestern Florida.

[6] Juveniles then drop from their respective fish and sink to the bottom of the body of water to mature into adults.

[6] It is important to note that narrow pigtoe's geographic location relies on the host fish.

Narrow pigtoe consumes detritus (which is disintegrated organic debris), algae, diatoms, and bacteria.

[4][6][8] For most freshwater bivalve mussels, the habitat involves slow to moderate currents in small to medium sized rivers or creeks.

[6] The narrow pigtoe embeds itself in the ground (which often includes sand, gravel, and silt) as long as it is stable and not disturbed.

[6] As stated before, the narrow pigtoe’s habitat is also reliant on whether or not its host fish species are present in the area.

[4] The narrow pigtoe is sensitive to ecological disturbances and must have little pollution, good water quality, and a secure habitat to grow successfully.

[9] Narrow pigtoe is found only in the Escambia and Yellow river basins in northwest Florida and southern Alabama.

Fish and Wildlife Services, Fusconaia escambia is currently listed threatened “wherever found”.

[7] According to the latest federal registry, which dates back to 2012, the narrow pigtoe lives in 28 locations.

[4] Narrow pigtoe are filter feeders and they feed on nutrients close to the ground including detritus.

[8] The current population size is unknown, but a survey of the Escambia drainage in 2012 found 166 organisms.

[3] This is an increase from the previous 13 sites, indicating that the geographic range of the narrow pigtoe has spread.

[4] However, degradation and loss of river habitats, poor water quality, catastrophic events, and invasive species could all potentially pose threats to the narrow pigtoe.