Campeloma decampi

Slender Campeloma

FWS Focus

Overview

Characteristics
Overview

Relatively little is known about the life history and ecoolgy of the slender campeloma.  It is known to occur in the tributaries to the Tennessee River in northern Alabama.

Scientific Name

Campeloma decampi
Common Name
Slender Campeloma
FWS Category
Snails
Kingdom

Location in Taxonomic Tree

Identification Numbers

TSN:

Characteristics

Characteristic category

Similar Species

Characteristics
Similar Species

A recent systematic review of snails in the genus Campeloma found in the Tennessee River basin has indicated that cryptic biodiversity may be present within the slender campeloma species as it is currently recognized, meaning the currently recognized species may actually represent multiple species that are superficially similar in appearance (Campbell n.d.).  Additional, genetic research specific to the slender campeloma is needed.

Characteristic category

Physical Characteristics

Characteristics
Size & Shape
  • The shell is medium to large typically measuring between 5 to 35 millimeters (0.2 to 1.4 inches) in length (ARC 1997).
  • The slender campeloma is identified in the field by its larger size for this type of snail, ovately conic shell, and tapered pointed spire (Burch 1989, Garner 2004).
  • It is distinguished from the sympatric C. decisum by the presence of fine sculpture in the form of faint striations and a relatively higher spire on the shell of the slender campeloma.
Characteristic category

Habitat

Characteristics
Habitat

The slender campeloma is typically found burrowing in soft sediments (sand or mud) or detritus (ACR 1997). 

River or Stream

A natural body of running water.

Characteristic category

Life Cycle

Characteristics
Reproduction

The slender campeloma belongs to the family Viviparidae and as with other members of this family, they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs.

Life Span

Their lifespan does not appear to extend beyond 3 years of age.

Characteristic category

Food

Characteristics
Food

While the food habits of the slender campeloma are not known, it is believed that they most likely feed on detritus.

Geography

Characteristics
Range

The slender campeloma’s occurrence has been confirmed in four streams in northern Alabama.  These streams include Cypress Creek (Lauderdale County (J. Garner pers. comm. 2019), Round Island Creek (Limestone County), Piney Creek (Limestone County), and Limestone Creek (Limestone County) (Haggerty and Garner 2007, 2008).

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