Recent Range Expansion of the Freshwater Mussel Anodonta implicata and Its Relationship to Clupeid Fish Restoration in the Connecticut River System

Abstract

The range of Anodonta implicata in the Connecticut River prior to 1970 was known not to extend upstream from Hartford, Connecticut. Since 1970 A. implicata has increased its range upstream in the Connecticut River to Bellows Falls, Vermont. This rapid range expansion appears to be correlated with chronological episodes of clupeid fish restoration above successive dams in the Connecticut River. Anodonta implicata, therefore, can be used as an indicator of success of clupeid fish restoration.