Taiwan Pond Mussel (Sinanodonta lauta)

This good-sized mussel is like an excellent filter-feeder! 

The Taiwan Pond Mussel (Sinanodonta lauta) is an excellent filter-feeder that maintains a size and is ideal for many nano and planted tank setups. This species is a very resilient and effective aquarium inhabitant when it comes to filter-feeding and removing particulate matter to achieve a supremely clear aquarium!

The Taiwan Pond Mussel should be at least partially imbedded in the substrate with its opening facing upward. It will diligently skim particulate matter of all sorts from the water column. Aquariums with "greenwater"or suspended detritus problems will very quickly be cleansed in the presence of this mussel. 

While it is a fairly sedentary species, the Taiwan Pond Mussel does have a few important requirements. It must be partially embedded in the substrate so that it can filter feed. It also requires a constant food source. In the case of tanks with excessive greenwater, this is no problem. However, in most cases, this mussel will clear greenwater in record time. At that point, supplementary feeding is required. Finely crushed, high-quality flake food will suffice. Other very small plant- and animal-based foods will also be readily accepted.

The Taiwan Pond Mussel is fairly adaptable as long as sudden changes in water parameters/quality are avoided. It must be placed in an area of high water flow in the aquarium. As with most clams and mussels, it should not be exposed to air at length and it ideally should not be disturbed once placed and established in the aquarium. It is completely peaceful and is compatible with any other species that thrive in the same water conditions.

Care must be taken to make sure that the Chinese Pond Mussel continues to thrive in the aquarium. If it happens to die, it can release a great deal of ammonia, so it must be monitored daily, especially in smaller aquariums. When healthy, it will display a great desire to close or "clam up" when disturbed. 

The Taiwan Pond Mussel is a highly valuable addition to the freshwater aquarium under the correct conditions. It will constantly filter-feed and clarify the water as long as it is healthy and well-fed. It requires very little additional maintenance and can be a fascinating addition to the nano or planted aquarium!