Common Mussel Mytilus edulis

The common mussel is easily recognisable by its large, oval, bluish/black elongated shell. Mussels crowd together on the shore or shallow waters and can be found all year round.

Conservation status in Norfolk

The common mussel is not threatened.

Click to see the Biodiversity Action Plan Species for this species

How to help

The marine environment is under pressure and by supporting campaigns, such as the Wildlife Trust Living Seas campaign we can help the common mussel and other marine invertebrates.

Adopt me today and help ensure my future!

Rob Spray

Information on the Common Mussel

How to recognise

The common mussel has a shell that is blue, black or brown and is easily recognised by its elongated and oval shape. Mussels live in large numbers crammed together on the shore or in shallow waters. They withstand the action of waves by anchoring themselves to rocks or each other with threads which they release from their shells called byssus. The shell of the mussel can be up to 10cm in length.

Where to see

Mussels are found on rocky substrates from the midshore downwards, in Norfolk they have been recorded in water over 30m deep. There is seasonal coverage and huge beds exist along the Norfolk coast.

When to see

The Common Mussel can be seen all year round.

Did you know?

Mussels are the preferred prey items for many shore predators including starfish, crabs and dog whelks. Dog whelks attack mussels by first drilling through their shells and then devouring the soft bodied animal within. Mussels have developed an interesting counter strategy in response to this feeding behaviour. They send out their byssus threads and immobilise the snail before turning it over. The dog whelk is then unable to feed and it soon starves to death.

Finding out more

Arkive

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