Hall sensor data to monitor Fusconaia flava burrowing behavior in a flume experiment

We conducted a fluvial experiment to identify how mussel shells along river size gradients vary morphologically and respond to different flow regimes. Using individual Fusconaia flava mussels collected from upper and lower reaches of the Gasconade River in central Missouri, USA, we conducted hydraulic flume experiments to quantify burrow position and behavior response to changing flow conditions. Hall sensors and Neodymium magnets were affixed near the ventral margin on each mussel in order to measure gape behavior and record valve movements. Hydraulic conditions used in the experiment were scaled to observed low and high flows on the Gasconade River.