Mytilus trossulus

Pacific Blue Mussel: for more photos, see Sitka Nature Photo Gallery for Mytilus trossulus

Pacific Blue Mussel (Mytilus trossulus): This species looks a lot like California mussel (Mytilus zonarius), but has a thinner shell, lives in calmer, more sedimentation-prone areas, and generally doesn't exceed finger length. As for distinction between this species and exotic species such as M. edulis and M. galloprovincialis, it is essentially impossible. Look out for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) when consuming this tasty bivalve. Especially in calm areas such as harbors and bays, this mussel tends to have threads running between individuals, and the shells may be quite thin and pale.

Local Notes

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References

Weblinks

• WoRMS page for Mytilus trossulus

• WoRMS Page for Mytilus trossulus
• Search Arctos Database for Mytilus trossulus (Southeast only)
• Search Arctos Database for Mytilus trossulus (entire database)
• Encyclopedia of Life search for Mytilus trossulus
• iNaturalist Observations for Mytilus trossulus in Southeast Alaska

Other References

• Lamb Hanby 2005

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Related Files

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  Pacific Blue Mussel (Mytilus trossulus)

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  Pacific Blue Mussel (Mytilus trossulus)

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