These datasets provide geographic sampling information for Bathymodiolin mussel samples collected from three cold seep sites off the mid-Atlantic U.S. coast, northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Also included are GenBank accession numbers for mitochondrial gene sequences (COI and ND4) used to identify the mussel species and GenBank accession numbers for BioProject containing 16S metabarcoding sequence data used to identify gill symbionts in mussels.

Data from metabarcoding assays to detect a suite of mussel species using mitochondrial DNA regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit (ND1) genes sequences.

Data from metabarcoding assays to detect a suite of mussel species using mitochondrial DNA regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit (ND1) genes sequences.

Multibeam and sidescan sonar were collected for a total of 15 sites in the North Arm, Maxwell Bay, and St. Albans Bay of Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, to determine whether hydroacoustics could be used in turbid rivers and lakes as a method of rapid detection for invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) infestations. Hydroacoustic data were collected in June, August, and the end of September, 2022 at all 15 sites. This dataset is composed of bathymetry in the form of digital elevation models and 3D point cloud (in the form of XYZ text file), sidescan sonar image mosaics, and underwater video still images for assessing the detection of Dreissenids using hydroacoustics and underwater video for habitat.

Multibeam and sidescan sonar were collected for a total of 15 sites in the North Arm, Maxwell Bay, and St. Albans Bay of Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, to determine whether hydroacoustics could be used in turbid rivers and lakes as a method of rapid detection for invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) infestations. Hydroacoustic data were collected in June, August, and the end of September, 2022 at all 15 sites. This dataset is composed of bathymetry in the form of digital elevation models and 3D point cloud (in the form of XYZ text file), sidescan sonar image mosaics, and underwater video still images for assessing the detection of Dreissenids using hydroacoustics and underwater video for habitat.

Longstanding taxonomic uncertainties have limited conservation efforts for species currently assigned to the freshwater mussel genus Alasmidonta. Here, we present mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data needed to assess the genus- and species-level taxonomy of Alasmidonta. These molecular data allowed us to test whether cryptic diversity exists within Alasmidonta and whether A. triangulata and A. arcula are distinct species. Details associated with specimens and DNA sequence data are provided here to provide a foundation for future research on Alasmidonta and give conservation agencies greater confidence in the findings of our work.

Longstanding taxonomic uncertainties have limited conservation efforts for species currently assigned to the freshwater mussel genus Alasmidonta. Here, we present mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data needed to assess the genus- and species-level taxonomy of Alasmidonta. These molecular data allowed us to test whether cryptic diversity exists within Alasmidonta and whether A. triangulata and A. arcula are distinct species. Details associated with specimens and DNA sequence data are provided here to provide a foundation for future research on Alasmidonta and give conservation agencies greater confidence in the findings of our work.

Data are included for laboratory studies evaluating the thermal biology of several freshwater mussel species and their host fish including dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon), brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa), creeper (Strophitus undulatus), eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata), tesselated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). Thermal endpoints include critical thermal maximum, temperature preference, oxygen consumption rates, and clearance rates of organisms acclimated to a range of temperature treatments.

Data are included for laboratory studies evaluating the thermal biology of several freshwater mussel species and their host fish including dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon), brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa), creeper (Strophitus undulatus), eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata), tesselated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). Thermal endpoints include critical thermal maximum, temperature preference, oxygen consumption rates, and clearance rates of organisms acclimated to a range of temperature treatments.

The diagnosis of bacterial disease in freshwater unionid mussels has been hindered by a lack of baseline information regarding the microbial communities associated with these animals. In this study, we cultured and identified bacteria from the hemolymph of stable mussel populations from the upper Mississippi River basin and compared results to mussel populations associated with a mortality event in the Clinch River, VA and TN. Several bacterial genera were consistently identified across mussel species and locations, appearing to be part of the natural bacterial flora. One noteworthy isolate was identified from the Clinch River. Yokenella regensbergei was found with relatively high prevalence during the mortality event but was absent from post-mortality samples. Its role, if any, in the mortality event is unknown and deserves further investigation. We suggest that future studies of freshwater mussel health utilize hemolymph samples due to its relative disconnect with the aquatic environment, role in the circulatory system and nonlethal nature of collection.