Mussels

Japanese name

 * muurugai

About mussels
Mussels can be found in all seas and oceans but mainly around Europe and the Atlantic western and eastern coasts. Mussels are found in the intertidal zone on rocks and in beds of sand of depths of 30 feet. There are several species of mussels and the most common are blue mussels. Mussels can be grown in special arranged areas or offshore seas and oceans. Generally mussels have egg-shaped bodies that have different colors but the most common color is dark brown. Generally wild mussels have thick shell and brighter colors while farmed mussels have a thinner shell and darker colors. Mussels have beards that they use to attach themselves to growing medium. Mussels are generally reared and sold in order to be cooked. Mussels survive by feeding themselves with algae and other aquatic vegetative organisms. Wild mussels live a long life approximately twenty years old. Mussels are bivalve clams quite similar to soft-shell clams except the shell is habitually much thicker. Mussels are similar to other clams and they never live their shell and due to the fact that the shell is quite hard it is very difficult for the predators to smash their shell.