Description

An adult edible mussel is 2 to 5 inches long. It is typically blue or purple, sometimes brown or with radial dark brown or purple markings.

Near the front end is the hinge and the elastic ligament that pushes the shell open when the muscles inside relax. There is one of the adductor muscles at each end, running from one valve to the other, that at the hind end being largest and strongest.

When the mussel is submerged, its long brownish foot can be seen protruding from between the valves. The foot is used for moving about, as well as for making the tough protein (byssus) threads with which the mussel is normally anchored.

Distribution and Habitat<