Brian T. Watson, Michelle B. Steg, and Richard J. Neves, Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321

Abstract. Fish host identifications were completed in 1996 and 1997 for two Virginia state listed freshwater mussel species, the black sandshell (Ligumia recta) and Tennessee heelsplitter (Lasmigona holstonia), and four federally endangered freshwater mussel species, the tan riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkeri), purple bean (Villosa perpurpurea), dromedary pearlymussel (Dromus dromas), and birdwing pearlymussel (Lemiox rimosus). Both state-listed species exhibited low degrees of host specificity in laboratory tests. Host fish for L. recta include largemouth bass, green sunfish, redbreast sunfish, rockbass, white perch, yellow perch, platy, and convict chichlids. The banded sculpin was the only host fish identified for L. holstonia but rockbass, stoneroller, striped and warpaint shiners were identified as potential hosts. Conversely, the federally endangered species exhibited high degrees of host specificity. Host fish for E. f. walkeri were limited to the banded and/or mottled sculpin and several percids; greenside, redline, fantail, and snubnose darters. Fish hosts identified for V. perpurpurea were also the banded and/or mottled sculpin and two percids; greenside and redline darters. The fantail darter was the only fish host identified for D. dromas, with the gilt darter, tangerine darter, and Ohio logperch identified as potential hosts. Additionally, a second darter (snubnose) was identified as a host for L. rimosus.