Pink Papershell
NDGF
Large mussel with a maximum length of 7 inches. Shell is elongated and generally rectangular. Wing present near the umbos. Shell dark green to brown. Nacre is pink.
Status in North Dakota
Year-round resident and rare.
Range Map
Pink papershell 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.
Threats
Impoundments built on the Missouri River System have changed the flow regime of the river.
Water released from the dam is cooler, cleaner, and moving faster.
This has changed the historic habitat conditions of the river system.
Impoundments in the system block movement of fish species used by the Pink Papershell as hosts for young.
In this case, the most common host is the freshwater drum.
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
Primarily found in medium to large rivers/streams with mud and sand substrate.
Pink Papershells are found only in the lower reaches of the Missouri River and tributaries below Garrison Dam in North Dakota.