- Black mussel
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black mussel Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Bivalvia Subclass: Pteriomorphia Order: Mytiloida Family: Mytilidae Genus: Choromytilus Species: C. meridionalis Binomial name Choromytilus meridionalis
Krauss, 1848[1]The black mussel, Choromytilus meridionalis, is a species of bivalve. It is a marine mollusc in the family Mytilidae.
Contents
Distribution
This species is found only around the southern African coast, from central Namibia to Port Elizabeth, from the low intertidal to about 10m[2].
Description
This animal grows up to 150mm in length. It is a shiny black mussel which grows clustered in groups on rocks and in sandy areas[3]. It is narrower and blacker than the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, with which it is often confused.
Ecology
The black mussel is a filter feeder, which eats floating scraps of algae and phytoplankton. It is threatened by the invasion of the fast-growing and hardy Mediterranean mussel, which outcompetes it for space.
References
- ^ http://www.biolib.cz accessed 5 January 2010
- ^ Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E (2005): Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 0-86486-672-0
- ^ Day, J.H. 1969. Marine Life on South African Shores Balkema, Cape Town
External links
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