Knowra Mussel Mussel A mussel is a bivalve mollusk with two hinged shells, commonly attached to solid surfaces in marine or freshwater habitats. Many species anchor themselves with strong protein threads called byssus.
Filter feeding : A feeding method in which an animal strains suspended particles from water. Mussels draw water across their gills and retain food particles.
Mollusca : A diverse animal phylum that includes snails, clams, squids, and octopuses. Mussels are mollusks, with the mantle and body plan characteristic of the phylum.
Mussel farming : The cultivation of mussels for food, usually on ropes, rafts, or seabed structures. Aquaculture produces mussels without the feed inputs required by many farmed animals.
Blue mussel : A widespread marine mussel, Mytilus edulis, found in temperate coastal waters. It is a familiar edible species and a model organism in mussel research.
Byssus : A bundle of strong protein threads that lets some bivalves attach to surfaces. Marine mussels use these threads to cling to rocks, pilings, and other hard surfaces.
Mussel shell : The paired calcareous valves that protect a mussel's soft body. Its shape, layers, and growth marks help identify and protect the animal.
Mussel watch : A monitoring approach that measures contaminants accumulated by mussels at coastal sites. Mussels' ability to concentrate pollutants makes them useful environmental sentinels.
Mediterranean mussel : A marine mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, native to the Mediterranean region and introduced elsewhere. Its spread beyond its native range illustrates mussels' capacity to colonize new coasts.
Mussel adhesive proteins : Proteins in mussel attachment threads that help them bond underwater to surfaces. Their chemistry enables byssus threads to adhere in wet, salty conditions.
Mantle (mollusk) : A tissue layer in mollusks that covers the body and secretes shell material. The mantle produces the valves that enclose a mussel.
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