Mussels
By: Christian Amico
Scientific Classification
• Mussels belong in the Bivalvia of the
Molluscs family.
• Marine Mussels are known as
Pteriomorpha, and freshwater mussels are
called Palaeoheterodonta.
Habitat
• Mussels live on the rocky shores intertidal
zone. They attach themselves to rocks or
structure with their strong byssal threads.
• Freshwater mussel species live in ponds,
lakes, rivers, creeks, or canals.
• Both Marine and saltwater mussels are
filter feeders, they feed on plankton.
• Marine Mussels are usually found close
together in groups on wave washed rocks
Reproduction
• Marine freshwater mussels both have
separate reproduction meaning they
reproduce sexually.
• It takes about three weeks to six months,
before settling on the ocean bottom as a
young mussel.
Anatomy of a mussel
• The shell of a mussel is made up of three
different layers.
• Mussels have a organ like most bivalves
which is called a foot. Freshwater mussels
have a larger foot then marine mussels.
PREDATORS
• Predators of marine mussels are humans,
starfish, seabirds, and fish.
• Freshwater mussel predators are eaten by
otters, raccoons, ducks, or geese.
PICTURES
THE ANATOMY