|  | The Carolina Heelsplitter releases its glochidia in small packets (< 5mm), called conglutinates. The amber-colored glochidia, which are relatively heavy and would sink on their own, are adhered to white eggs which make them near neutrally buoyant and cause them to be suspended in the water column. This creates lots of white flakes floating around in the water column, which would likely be appealing to their multiple minnow (Cyprinidae) hosts. Multiple conglutinates are often strung together with clear mucous creating a net-like effect, further increasing chances of encountering fish.
| | | View this video of the propagation process.
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
