FRESHWATER MUSSEL

Australian freshwater mussels can be rewarding, low‑motion inhabitants of planted aquaria when given proper conditions. Their main benefit is helping filter the water, and they are great as an indicator of water quality. Keep them in a well‑established tank (at least 40L depending on species) with fine sand or smooth gravel substrate so they can partially bury. Maintain stable water quality: pH ~6.5–8.0, temperature 20–26°C, low ammonia/nitrite, and moderate general hardness. Soft acidic water can inhibit their ability to maintain a healthy shell. Provide gentle to moderate water flow to deliver suspended food but avoid strong currents that disturb them.

Mussels are filter/suspension feeders — feed with finely powdered phytoplankton/algae supplements, liquid invertebrate foods, or finely crushed high‑quality flake/spirulina a few times weekly; many will also filter naturally occurring biofilm and detritus in a mature tank. Use a prefilter or sponge on strong power filter intakes to prevent mussels or fry from being sucked in. Avoid copper and other invertebrate‑toxic medications.

Keep tankmates peaceful and non‑digging; crayfish, large loaches, and digging cichlids can injure or uproot them. They benefit from stable, oxygenated water and occasional calcium supplementation for shell health. Expect slow growth; reproduction is complex for many species and may require specific host fish such as Bitterling for larvae (glochidia). Monitor for inactivity or gaping shells (signs of poor water or food) and address water quality promptly.

PLease note all livestock is packed and shipped via overnight express courier on Mondays and Tuesdays. We cannot send Mussels to WA, NT or TAS due to interstate AQIS restrictions.