Any one of many species of marine bivalve shells of the genus Mytilus, and related genera, of the family Mytidæ. The common mussel (Mytilus edulis; see Illust. under Byssus), and the larger, or horse, mussel (Modiola modiolus), inhabiting the shores both of Europe and America, are edible. The former is extensively used as food in Europe.
Any one of numerous species of Unio, and related fresh-water genera; -- called also river mussel. See Naiad, and Unio.
A saltwater shellfish that has a bluish black color shell and is a pearly color on the inside. Delicately flavored, often served steamed, broiled, or baked. Mussels are live when purchased; purchase only ones that are tightly closed. Never purchase mussels that are chipped, broken, damaged or opened. Remove store wrapping at home so that the mussels may breathe, otherwise mussels may die before they are cooked.
an aquatic bivalve mollusk.
a marine or freshwater species with an elongated shell; common name frequently used to refer to freshwater mussels. Differs from a clam in that either anterior or posterior lateral teeth are present, but not both.
black marine bivalves usually steamed in wine
marine or freshwater bivalve mollusk that lives attached to rocks etc.
a bivalve Animals of the Class Bivalvia are known as bivalves because they typically have two-part shells, with both parts being more or less symmetrical
a relatively simple animal enclosed by two shells connected by a ligament
a small edible bivalve shellfish
a sea animal that has a long shell
A very common bivalve mollusc found worldwide usually attached to rocks near the water line, but some bury themselves in the sand. Generally sold live in their shells or removed, cooked and preserved in brine, sauce or by canning. Sometimes sold smoked. Cooking Tips: When buying them raw, throw away all those that are open. Once boiled set aside clams which haven't opened.
Mussels and clams are soft-bodied animals enclosed by two shells (hence bivalves or shellfish) made mostly of calcium (same as our bones), connected by a ligament or hinge.
Pearl producing two-shelled mollusk living in freshwater.
a mollusc similar to a clam but with narrow, dark-colored shells.
Approximately 350 species of freshwater pearl mussels can produce pearls. Freshwater pearl mussels, from families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae, produce nacreous pearls which are lustrous and colorful. The greatest diversity of the species is in the Mississippi River, but these mussel shells provide the round bead nuclei used for perliculture in Japan, China and Australia. Hyriopsis cumingii ( commonly called Triangleshell Pearl Mussel): The most common cultured freshwater mussels are grown in the waters of Japan or China. These pearls generally range in size from 2 mm to 18 mm and range in color from white, cream, gold, silver, pink, rose, lavender, plum, tangerine, and mocha shades. Megalonaias nervosa ( commonly called Washboard Pearl Mussel): Historical source for buttons, and the major source of pearl nuclei from the United States.
The term mussel is used for several families of bivalve molluscs inhabiting lakes, rivers, and creeks, as well as intertidal areas along coastlines worldwide. The freshwater mussels (several allied families, the largest being the Unionidae) and saltwater mussels (family Mytilidae) are not closely related, and are grouped in different subclasses, despite some similarities in appearance. The freshwater Zebra mussels and their relatives (family Dreissenidae) live attached to rocks in a manner similar to marine mussels, but are classified with the Heterodonta, the taxonomic group including most bivalves referred to as "clams".