Painter's Mussel - Unio pictorum

Typically 70-80mm long but can be over 100mm. Elongate with the length at least twice the height. The hinge is long, straight and horizontal. The shell is usually a yellow/olive colour with brown growth lines visible.

It is only likely to be confused with Unio tumidus.

Lowland rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs.

All year.

Mainly found across England but not in Scotland nor the west of Wales.

Rare.