has anyone got a freshwater mussel?

[ArtVandelay]

I have, I love him. He's quite quiet :) but I'm absolutely fascinated by him. I was just wondering how any mussel owners are getting on - there is quite a lot of conflicting information about them. Opinions seem to vary between they are super easy to they are super difficult. I'm taking the view that they are difficult (most creatures are, right) and so I'm trying to boost him with extra plankton etc. Obviously he isn't really the type to wear his heart on his sleeve so any info and anecdotes about what makes the happy or sad/ poorly are appreciated :)

[Theas18]

Gosh! People keep mussels as pets not food? How interesting

[ArtVandelay]

Well, yes. But then most pets are edible aren't they. Plenty of people around the world eat rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs etc. I don't think being tasty and making a good pet are mutually exclusive :)

[EauRouge]

Ooh, a mussel! Is it a swan mussel or a zebra mussel? Is he in a community tank or on his own?

[ArtVandelay]

Hi Eau, he is a Thai mussel. I got him because the water and plants, gravel, rocks etc. from the pond were really dirty and didn't look nice in the tank. Between him, the snails and the external filter its looking pretty good now. I'm giving him extra plankton and I think ill get some algae wafer things because its not so dirty now. I will also give him little holidays in the pond once that gets nice and dirty again.

He is in the tank with the spoilt goldfish :D I think he's great.

[lucysmam]

I may sound stupid here (& thoroughly expect someone to at me...)....what does a mussel do?