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Mytilus edulis
Biology
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Literature Cited
Common name(s): Blue Mussel, Bay Mussel
Size:
Up to 110 mm
Range:
Uncertain at this time, introduced to British Columbia, Canada but indigenous to the Atlantic Coast.
Habitat:
Intertidal to 5 m on solid substrates like rock or wood in quiet waters
Misidentification:
Mytilus trossulus, M. galloprovincialis
Life History:
An introduced species, it can live up to 2 years. Very hearty, it requires periods of desiccation and needs less O2 than other Mytilids. This species is very close in appearance to M. trossulus and it is nearly impossible to visually distinguish the two apart. The difference is enzymatic and laboratory examination is required to determine which is which if identities are in dispute.
Predators:
Sea Birds, Pisaster spp., Nucella emarginata
*"Size" refers to shell length only and only gives the largest average size for the given species.
Last updated Tuesday, August 29, 2006, by Lisa Ferrier
