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Contact: Tom Blount, 423-569-9778
WARTBURG, Tennessee: A new mussel species has been discovered in the Obed Wild & Scenic River. The National Park Service has been monitoring freshwater mussel populations in the Obed River for years, including a number of threatened and endangered species. In a recent survey, the National Park Service discovered Pleuronaia dolabelloides, the slabside pearly mussel. This endangered species, currently known only from a few tributaries in the Tennessee River system, has never before been found in the rivers of the Emory/Obed branch of the Tennessee basin. Finding a new, protected location is potentially important to the long-term recovery of this rare species.
“Freshwater mussels are vital to healthy rivers and streams, acting as natural water filters. They improve water clarity, remove harmful substances, and serve as excellent indicators of good environmental conditions,” said Niki Stephanie Nicholas, Superintendent of the Obed Wild & Scenic River.
The moderately sized mussel reaches about 3.5 inches in length. Historically, the species was found in river systems in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The upper Tennessee watershed, including the Obed and Emory Rivers, has among the highest freshwater mussel diversity in the world.
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Last updated: November 17, 2025