x8 images. Double click to enlarge.
Here are a selection of ‘freshwater’ shells found near the edge of a local canal. The Asian Clam is a rapidly spreading invasive species which was unknown in Britain before October 1998. Originated in China, Korea, south-eastern Russia, and the Ussuri Basin. The first time it has been recorded in this neck of the woods. There are three cardinal teeth in each valve raditaing from the beaks. The latteral teeth are serrated and flattened.
The Painter’s Mussel, an elongate shell, was used by artists in the past to hold their paints, hence its name.
The Duck Mussel is one of our largest freshwater bivalves. It also occupies the greatest diversity of habitats of any large mussel, including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and canals.
The River Snail requires water with a high oxygen content.
Nature Journeys 
What an interesting ‘surprise’ today’s post has been.
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Very nice photos. The Asian clam is also very successful in Florida freshwater rivers.
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Thank you, James 🙂
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The river snail has an attractive shell. Interesting post, Pete!
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Thank you, Belinda 🙂 The shell normally hass darker brown bands but this one has faded over time.
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I’ve never heard of the Painter’s Mussel. That’s a clever use of the shell, though. I have used similar half-shells for soap dishes; they work very well and they’re far more appealing than plastic.
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