Animal Profiles
Molluscs

Blue mussel

Mytilus edulis

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The blue mussel is a coastal bivalve that forms dense beds on suitable surfaces. Strong byssal threads anchor its shell against moving water.

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the Bay of Biscay, photographed as harvested shellfish.

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the Bay of Biscay, photographed as harvested shellfish.

Marie-Noelle De Casamajor · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Blue mussels inhabit cool North Atlantic coasts.
Habitat
Coast
Diet
Filter feeder
Food
The gills filter tiny algae, other plankton and organic particles from seawater.

Classification

Common name
Blue mussel
Browse group
Molluscs
Scientific name or taxon
Mytilus edulis
Taxon rank
species
Order
Mytilida
Family
Mytilidae
Genus
Mytilus
Source classification
Bivalvia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a bivalve mollusc.
  • Byssal threads provide attachment.
  • The gills filter suspended food.

Habitat and range

Blue mussels inhabit cool North Atlantic coasts. They attach to rocks, other shells and suitable structures, often forming crowded beds in shallow coastal habitats.

Appearance and adaptations

Two smooth, elongated shell valves are commonly dark blue, purple or brown. Brownish attachment threads extend from within the shell and fasten the mussel to its surroundings.

Diet and behaviour

The gills filter tiny algae, other plankton and organic particles from seawater. Living in beds changes the surfaces available to neighbouring organisms, while each mussel remains attached rather than swimming for food.

Sources

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