Latin Etymology: Mytilus ("sea mussel") edulis ("edible")
A colony of Common Mussel (Mytilus edulis) at Trevose Head, Cornwall - May 2016
Featured Subspecies: ?
Weight: 1.4-6.5g / Length: 5-10cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated
One of the most common of British shellfish, the Common Mussel can be found in abundance in suitable habitat on rocky shorelines. They have a very high quantity to low yield reproductive system relying on both sperm and eggs being released into the sea, and to rely on luck to interact through sheer numbers. A low proportion of the eggs get fertilised, and these go on to form larvae, but even only 1% of these go on to reach adult form. As they finally reach that form, they permanently bond to a single patch of rocks to act as filter feeders.
Related Species:
ORDER: Ostreoida
FAMILY: Mytilidae
GENUS: Mytilus
SUBSPECIES: ?
- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - Locally abundant resident.
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