Global InformationCyrtonaias tampicoensis information
| Cyrtonaias tampicoensis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Shell of Cyrtonaias tampicoensis (specimen at the Smithsonian Institution) | |
Conservation status
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 Endangered (ESA)[1][2] | |
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[3]
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Unionida |
| Family: | Unionidae |
| Subfamily: | Ambleminae |
| Tribe: | Lampsilini |
| Genus: | Cyrtonaias |
| Species: | C. tampicoensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Cyrtonaias tampicoensis (I. Lea, 1838)
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| Synonyms[4] | |
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Cyrtonaias tampicoensis (also known as the Tampico pearly mussel) is a freshwater bivalve mollusc belonging to the family Unionidae.[4]
It is indigenous to the rivers and reservoirs of northeastern Mexico and central Texas via the Rio Grande, all the way to Colorado.[5] C. tampicoensis inhabits waters approximately 6 m (20 ft) deep but has been observed at more substantial depths.[5]
This bivalve is known for one unique feature that separates it from others in its class: its pearl. The Concho pearl is its naturally occurring pink/lavender hue.[5] Ultimately, the Concho led to the mussel being reported as an endangered species effective July 14, 1976.[1][2]
- ^ a b "Tampico pearlymussel (Cyrtonaias tampicoensis tecomatensis)". Environmental Conservation Online System. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ a b 41 FR 24062
- ^ "Appendices I, II and III". CITES. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 25 November 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ a b WoRMS. "WoRMS taxon details: AphiaID 857259". World Register of Marine Species.
- ^ a b c Howells, R. G., Neck, R. W., & Murray, H. D. (1996). Freshwater mussels of Texas. University of Texas Press. Retrieved November 1, 2023.