A new genus and species of freshwater mussel (Bivalvia, Unionidae) from Anhui, China

The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River host a highly diverse Unionidae fauna. Herein, a new genus and species of freshwater mussel, Huizhou xietianxiangi H. Chen, Z.-G. Chen, H.-Q. Xiang, Y.-M. He & X.-P. Wu, gen. et sp. nov., is described from Huangshan City, Anhui Province, based on comparative morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. The new taxon is distinguished by a unique set of shell characteristics, including an oval shape, a zigzag sculpture covering the entire surface, and frequent adornment with elegant dark green rays.

These distinct morphological features, coupled with significant genetic differentiation, robustly support its establishment as a new genus and species.