Standardizing a Non-Lethal Method for Characterizing the Reproductive Status and Larval Development of Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida)

Freshwater mussel conservation is dependent on monitoring reproductive patterns and processes of species. This study standardizes a non-lethal protocol for sampling gill contents, characterizing larval development, and providing a digital repository for data collected. This protocol-database package will be an important tool for mussel researchers in recovery of imperiled species.