Red Horse Mussel [Modiolus modiolus]
Description
Also known as the Northern Horse Mussel, this species is a large marine bivalve mollusc found in the North Atlantic Ocean, from the Arctic Circle to the Bay of Biscay. It is characterized by its large size, with shells reaching up to 20 cm in length, and its reddish-brown to purplish-black color. It inhabits a variety of substrates, from rock to mud, and can form dense beds providing important habitat for other marine species.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Clams, Oysters, and Scallops
Bivalvia
|
| Order |
Mussels
Mytilida
|
| Family |
True Mussels
Mytilidae
|
| Genus |
Beard Mussels
Modiolula
|