Freshwater mussels are filter feeders, which means they obtain their food by filtering microscopic organisms, such as plankton, algae, and bacteria, from the water column. They use their gills to filter and capture these particles, which serve as their primary food source.
In the scenario you described, where freshwater mussels are floating in a 20ft height and 25ft width natural vessel containing water, the mussels would be able to survive if there are enough microscopic organisms present in the water for them to filter and consume. However, there are a few important points to consider:
- Depth of water: Freshwater mussels typically inhabit the bottom of rivers, lakes, and streams. If they are floating on the surface of the water, they might not be in their natural habitat, which could affect their ability to feed efficiently.
- Natural vessel construction: The natural vessel constructed with stone could provide some substrates for mussels to attach to, but it might not mimic their natural environment accurately. The lack of natural substrates could affect their feeding behavior and overall well-being.
- Food availability: The survival of mussels depends on the availability of food particles in the water. If the water in the vessel does not contain enough microscopic organisms for the mussels to feed on, they may struggle to survive solely through photosynthesis.
- Reproduction and life cycle: Freshwater mussels have complex life cycles that involve parasitic stages on fish hosts. Without access to their natural environment, their reproductive success might be compromised.
Overall, while mussels may survive for a period in the described setting, it's unlikely to be a sustainable or ideal environment for them in the long term. For their well-being and reproduction, they need to be in their natural habitat with access to suitable food sources and appropriate substrates. Additionally, relying on photosynthesis alone may not provide them with enough nutrition to thrive.
