Common mussel  (Mytilus edulis)

Species information

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Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

  • Commensal organisms: an interaction in which one species (the commensal) benefits from an association with a 'host' species, but the host is not affected.
  • Larval: of the stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
  • Plankton: aquatic organisms that drift with water movements; may be either phytoplankton (plants), or zooplankton (animals).
  • Sublittoral: a marine zone between the littoral zone (the shallow zone where light reaches the bed, subject to submersion and exposure by tides) and depths of around 200m.

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (August, 2002)
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
  2. Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1989) A student's guide to the seashore. 2nd Edition.Cambridge University press, Cambridge.
  3. Tyler-Walters, H., 2002. Mytilus edulis. Common mussel. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme. [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (December, 2002)
    http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Mytilusedulis.htm
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