swan mussel question

[bigwig]

Hi .... as mentioned in a previous post I have a Swan Mussel n one of our ponds. Its been there 4 weeks and appears to be doing ok. I've seen it feeding. However, there is no soil in this pond, just gravel and pebbles and I understand that Mussels like silty, soily bottoms to bury into. The Mussel spends most of its time stood on end next to the net of barley straw as this is probably the darkest corner of the pond. I have a bag of aquatic soil and I was just wondering if I should put some of the soil into this area for it to bury itself into ? If I do add soil how long will it take to settle ? The water in the pond is clear and we do like to be able to look down into the pond to observe what its happening. Its kind of like a mini ecosystem I gather that Mussels are very sensitive to change and I don't want to upset it by interfering with it, so maybe I should just leave it alone ?

I don't know what to do - I just want to give it the best change of survival.

[ron1863]

I know nothing about Swan Mussels but googled this info - hope it helps.

swan mussel

[bigwig]

I did already read that article, but thanks for taking the time to find it. I just really want to know if I should leave well alone as it is feeding or whether I should interfere and add some soil ?

[southlonder]

I think you should leave it. Mussels are filter feeders I think and so if it is feeding and happy.

[Lance Morgan]

I agree leave it as it appears to be doing fine without soil/silt.