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       Cultural Features > Coastal Habitats > Tributaries > Plants > Animals > Sapelo Island

Mollusca

Georgia Spiny-Mussel Elliptio spinosa

This rarest of Altamaha endemic mussels is immediately recognized by the spines radiating from its shell; these projections may aid in anchoring the shell in shifting sands. It lives in a narrow range of coarse sandy sediments near bars, and has been recorded from six locations in five quads and five counties. Due to its preference for coarse sand, this species may be susceptible to loss of habitat due to siltation.