The Ohio Pigtoe (Pleurobema cordatum)  is one of our true “big river” mussel species. These are medium-sized mussels, growing up to 4 inches long. The Ohio Pigtoe is found in large rivers with relatively fast currents and with sandy and gravelly bottoms. And as you might expect, it is common in the Ohio River! This summer we found many Ohio Pigtoes while conducting long term monitoring surveys at Buckley and Muskingum Islands. Most importantly, we found juveniles of this species, showing that their population is doing well around our refuge islands.