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| bivalves text index | photo index |
| Phylum Mollusca > Class Bivalvia > Family Mytilidae |
| Green
mussel Perna viridis Family Mytilidae updated Oct 10
Where seen? This edible clam is sometimes very common on our Northern shores, crowding any hard surface: rocks, pilings, floats. It is well adapted to waters that are murky and sediment laden. Features: 5-8cm. The two-part shell is thin, smooth and usually brownish edged in green. The animal attaches to hard surfaces with byssus threads, usually in clusters of many individuals. Human uses: Green mussels are considered the economically most important mussel in our region. They are farmed in many parts of Southeast Asia as seafood. They grow fast and in dense numbers. Like other filter-feeding clams, however, mussels may be affected by red tide and other harmful algal blooms. During such times, the mussels concentrate toxins and people who eat them may get seriously ill. Outside its natural range of the Asia-Pacific region, the Green mussel is considered an introduced pest and an unwelcome invasive species. There, unchecked by natural predators, the mussels multiply rapidly and clog industrial pipes, foul aquaculture and disturb local ecosystems. |
 Growing on a large boulder. Changi, Jan 04  |
It is among our favourite seafood. But be careful about
eating wild caught mussels.
 Growing in cracks of boulder. Pulau Sekudu, Mar 07 |
 Tiny ones among barnacles on a pillar. Chek Jawa, Oct 07 |
Green mussels on Singapore shores
 Pasir Ris, Dec 08  |
 Keppel Bay, Oct 09  |
 Chek Jawa, Aug 05  |
 Chek Jawa, Dec 03 |
 Pulau Ubin, Jun 08 |
 Pulau Sekudu, Dec 03 |
 Chek Jawa, Jan 07 |
 Changi, Jun 05 |
 Punggol, Jun 11 |
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Links
References
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Graham Brash, Singapore. 145 pp.|
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