Black Sandshell
NDGF
Mussel with elongated shell and generally flattened. The Black Sandshell can reach up to 4 ½ inches in length with a smooth, shiny shell and generally dark in color. The nacre is pink, purple, or white in color.
Status in North Dakota
Year-round resident but rare in abundance.
Range Map
Black sandshell range in North Dakota.
Reason for SWAP Designation
This species is regionally at risk or declining and North Dakota represents an important portion of its range.
Changes in land use in/around rivers including agriculture and impoundments have impacted this species, specifically related to their beds.
Threats
Impoundments of the Red River and its tributaries have altered the flow regime creating unsuitable habitat for the Black Sandshell by increasing sediment deposition and blocking host fish movement.
Agricultural practices, along with wetland drainage, continue to degrade water quality.
Also, increased flow and altered water chemistry in the Sheyenne River from the Devils Lake outlet may pose additional threats.
Research and Monitoring
A monitoring protocol for mussels has been developed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) under the State Wildlife Grant Program with increased implementation as a future goal.
Additionally, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) conducts biological monitoring surveys on State waters as part of their Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) development.
Valley City State University (VCSU) conducted a twophase population survey of mussels in 2008-2010 and began another evaluation in 2024.
Management Recommendations
- Develop/maintain buffers along riparian areas.
- Partner with local, state, and federal entities to limit chemical use in/near aquatic habitats.
- Continue partnering with local, state, and federal entities to maintain instream flows.
- Continue partnering with local, state, and federal entities to reduce wetland drainage.
- Remove river impoundments where possible.
- Encourage efficient use of pesticides.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
Found in the in Red River north of the confluence with the Sheyenne River.
Also found in the Sheyenne River from its confluence with the Red River to below Baldhill Dam.