Freshwater pearl mussels are among the world's most endangered invertebrates and their welfare in captive breeding conservation programmes is an emerging area of concern.
Freshwater pearl mussel welfare in captive breeding depends on maintaining precise water quality, appropriate temperature, suitable host fish, and substrate conditions. Poor water quality causes failure to metamorphose from parasitic juvenile stage on fish hosts. Long-term welfare of captive mussels requires dedicated water management and feeding regimes. Reintroduction welfare requires suitable recipient rivers with restored water quality.