Mussel Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description

A mussel is a bivalve shellfish that can be found in lakes, rivers, creeks, intertidal areas, and throughout the ocean. The saltwater mussels (family Mytilidae) and freshwater mussels (family Unionidae) are not thought to be closely related, and are grouped in different subclasses, despite considerable similarities in appearance. Cooked mussels are a popular seafood item.

Table of contents

1 Characteristics 1.1 External Anatomy 1.2 Feeding 1.3 Protection 2 External links 3 References

Characteristics

External Anatomy

The mussel’s external shell is composed of two valves that protect it from predators and desiccation. Protruding from a valve is an enlarged structure called the umbo which indicates the dorsal surface of the mussel.

Feeding

Mussels are filter feeders that feed on microscopic organisms called plankton. They do so by sucking in water through their inhalent (incurrent) siphon. The inhaled water is then brought into the branchial chamber by the actions of the cilia located on the gills for cilliary-mucus feeding. The left over water exits out the exhalent (excurrent) siphon. The labial palps finally funnel the food into the mouth where digestion can continue.

One species, the European zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is causing a serious problem in North America. From its first discovery in American waters in 1988 it has spread to a large number of waterways disrupting the ecosystem, displacing the local unoinoida mussels, and damaging harbours, boats, power plants etc.

Freshwater mussels are used as the host animal for the cultivation of freshwater pearls. A species of marine mussel, the Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis), is also cultivated as a source of food.

Not to be confused with muscle.

Protection

Mussels are usually found clumping togetther with one another in hoping to hold in water, and act as an adaptation of protection. Those mussels found in the middle will have less water loss, due to water capture by the clumping. The most protection will yield to those in the middle than those in the outer region of the clumping due to predation.

See also: Clam

External links

• Freshwater Mussel Genera

References

• Gilbertson, Lance. (1999). Zoology Laboratory Manual (4th ed.), pp. 11.1-11.4. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
• Marine Ecology Station

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