Blue mussel
| Blue mussel | |
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| Species: | M. edulis
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| Mytilus edulis | |
The blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, is an edible bivalve mollusc. It is commonly farmed and harvested for food throughout the world. Blue mussels are part of an ongoing long term environmental monitoring program in Prince William Sound, Alaska, the area affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The study examines hydrocarbon signatures in order to aid a better understanding of ecosystem recovery following the spill.
Blue mussels live in intertidal areas attached to rocks and other substrates by strong thread-like structures called byssal threads which are secreted by byssal glands located in the foot.
The shell is smooth with a sculpturing of concentric lines but no radiating ribs. They are purple, blue or sometimes brown in color.
Blue mussels are preyed upon by starfish such as Asterias vulgaris; small mussels are also eaten by the dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus.
References
- Department of Marine Resources
- Gilbertson, Lance. (1999). Zoology Laboratory Manual (4th ed.), pp. 11.1-11.4. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
See also
- California mussel (Mytilus californianus)
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Blue Mussels on the beach of the Baltic sea -
Blue Mussels on a beach in Iceland
