Fauna
Invertebrate

Liver Elimia

Elimia livescens

Also known as Liver Snail, Spire Snail

Liver elimias inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams and wave-washed lake margins across the Great Lakes and Ohio River basins. Clinging tightly to rocks and submerged timber with a muscular foot, these gilled river snails rasp diatoms and biofilm from hard substrates. Their heavy, conical shells protect them from strong currents and shell-crushing fish throughout their long aquatic lives.

FreshwaterMolluskAquatic
Liver Elimia reference
(c) L.J. Lamera, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by L.J. Lamera · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBenthic Diatoms, Green Algae, Biofilm
Predators
  • Freshwater Drum
  • Pumpkinseed
  • Rusty Crayfish
ThreatsSiltation, dam construction, and agricultural runoff
HabitatsRocky rivers, clean streams, and wave-swept lake shoals
Life span3–5 years
Classification
  1. FamilyPleuroceridae
  2. GenusElimia
  3. SpeciesElimia livescens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Substrates: Look along the undersides of cobble and submerged stones in riffles.
  • Handling Care: Return dislodged snails immediately to submerged rocks so currents do not wash them away.
  • Habitat Protection: Avoid disturbing gravel beds where snails and native mussels congregate.
Related species
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