Ryan Photographic - Mytilidae - Mussels
Family Mytilidae
The family Mytilidae contains around 410 species in 53 genera. Apart from one genus they are all marine. Most live in shallow waters attached to hard substrates via proteinaceous secretions (byssus threads) which form the beard in edible mussels. They are particularly prevalent in cold water comminities where they may dominate the intertidal zone.
Edulis planulatus New Zealand Blue mussel
Edulis planulatus New Zealand Blue mussels