Creature Feature - Northern Horsemussel

The Northern Horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) is found subtidally, sometimes buried in gravel or rocks. It uses byssal threads to attach itself to various substrates like it smaller cousin the Blue Mussel. It is larger than the commercially grown Blue mussel and can grow up to 15cm long and live anywhere from 20 to 100 years. The Horse Mussel is a suspension feeder, which is similar to filter feeding but instead of actively drawing water into itself, the Horse mussel feeds on whatever happens to flow through. The Horse mussel is preyed upon by lobsters, crabs, sea ducks and some marine mammals. These bivalves are edible but are not as popular as the smaller Blue mussel.

 

 

 

The Horse Mussel.

 

 

 In its natural habitat.


Inside of the Horse Mussel; note the byssal threads in the middle, the gill beside and the mantle below.