Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Tennessee
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The Cumberland papershell (Anodontoides denigrata) is a little known species. It was originally described by Lea in 1852, but was later considered a synonym of A. ferussacianus and forgotten about until Cicerello and Schuester recognized it as a distinct species in 2003. It is known from only a few small tributaries of the Big South Fork in TN and the upper Cumberland River, KY. Virtually nothing is known about the life history of the Cumberland papershell. This study will focus on describing its life history traits. Specific objectives will include determining: at what age and size individuals become reproductively mature, when spawning occurs and how long larvae are brooded, fecundity, and what host fishes are needed to complete its life cycle.