Lampsilis

Lampsilis is a genus of freshwater mussels, aquatic bivalve mollusks in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.

There are over 100 species in the genus.

Some species, notably Lampsilis ovata (pocketbook mussel) use aggressive mimicry to lure large predatory fish by using their mantle as a lure, ejecting larvae into the mouth of the fish when they strike.

The larvae attach to the gills, using the fish's blood as food for several weeks.

This Unionidae-related article is a stub.