California Mussels

California Mussels are a very common sight in the Intertidal Zone. They are attached to the rocks with “byssal threads.” These silky threads are super duper strong. They grow out of the mussel and onto the rock. These byssal threads make it possible for the California Mussel stay attached right where the waves crash. These animals are called bivalves because they have two hard shells that close tight for protection. When they want to feed, they open up slightly. This allows sea water to flow inside. Remember the Sand Crab and that it ate plankton? Well, California Mussels also eat these teeny tiny plants and animals. California Mussels are wonderful in that they make our ocean water more pure. They are called filters feeders. They filter out microscopic pieces of dead plants and animals, making the ocean water nice and clear for us. Like the Starfish and shore birds, humans find mussels to be quite tasty. Hooray for California Mussels! Not only are they edible, they help purify the ocean.


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