The MUSSELp is the MUSSEL Project, an internet resource to support research on the systematics of freshwater mussels (and other bivalves).

The MUSSELpdb is the MUSSEL Project Database, providing current information on the the taxonomy, nomenclature, literature, specimens, phylogeny, and other data supporting research on freshwater mussel evolution and ecology.

MUSSELp

Browse the MUSSELp Database!
The Freshwater Mussels (Unionoida) of the World
(and other less consequential bivalves)

Search the database pages:

The searching function is handled by a Google Custom Search Engine.

Anodontites lurulentaThe November 2025 Mussel of the Month is Schistodesmus xinyuensis. The old Schistodesmus lampreyanus (Unionidae) from China has been split-up based on molecular phylogenetic results.

The way freshwater mussel systematists approach their work has changed over the last two decades, and the MUSSEL Project Database has adapted to those changing needs.

Visit the Mussel of the Month Archive.

The MUSSEL Project Database Dashboard

The MUSSELpdb-db is a quick summary of the current state of freshwater mussel species & genus richness, according to the MUSSEL Project Database (the MUSSELpdb).
Current Number of Freshwater Mussel Species:

998

Current Number of Freshwater Mussel Genera:

216

Last Updated
Sun 2 November 2025


Click here for a detailed summary of species and genus richness by taxonomy.


Click here for a detailed summary of species richness and endemism by geography.

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"Making the world a better place, one mollusk at a time."