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Mussels
Moules
Appears in
Published 2010
Scientific name: Order Mytiloida
Mussel is the common name for members of several different families of saltwater and freshwater clams or bivalve mollusks. The mussel shell is longer than it is wide and usually asymmetrical. The outside of the shell is dark blue, black, or brown, and the interior is silvery with a mother of pearl sheen to it. The shell is composed of two hinged halves or “valves.” These valves are joined by a ligament and are closed when necessary by strong internal muscles.
Mussel shells are made up of three layers: the inner iridescent layer of nacre (mother of pearl), the prismatic layer, and the periostracum, the outer pigmented layer resembling skin. Marine mussels are eaten by humans, sea stars, and seabirds, whereas freshwater mussels are eaten by otters, raccoons, and some ducks and geese.