Here is your trickster of nature fact of the day. Some species of mussels make a convincing fish-like lure out of their own flesh to attract larger fish. Why on Earth do they do this? To give their babies a fresh start and aid in their dispersal. The fake fish actually contains a brood pouch full of larval mussels. When the big fish tries to eat it, the larvae clamp onto its gills. The fish's immune system creates cysts around each larval mussel. They are safe from predators and hitch a ride to new parts of the river. When they are ready to leave, they burst out and drop to the river bottom. The big fish is only inconvenienced for a little while and goes on its way. #aprilfools #fish #mussels #natureclub

Posted by Mel Grosvenor at 2021-04-03 14:46:53 UTC