Mussel

Mollusca – Bivalvia

Distribution:       

A mussel is a bivalve mollusc – it has a shell with two halves (valves) joined by a hinge. Of varied colours, mussels generally occur in groups, attached by tough flexible threads (the byssus or beard) to hard surfaces such as jetty pylons. With different species living in estuaries, oceans and coastal waters, mussels filter food particles from the water drawn in through their large gills.

Did you know?

Mussels can act as a substrate for other animals, such as barnacles, that attach themselves to their shell valves.