BROWN MUSSEL

Reaching a maximum length of 15 cm, the Brown mussel displays several distinct morphological characteristics.

The shell is equivalve, inequilateral and long. The umbo is located terminally, with a pointed and slightly curved beak, rounded at the posterior end.

Regarding the valves, the external surface features numerous, fine, and frequent concentric growth lines, often irregular in pattern.

As for the muscles:

1. there’s no anterior adductor muscle scar;
2. the posterior adductor muscle scar is present and separated from the retractor muscle scar;

The hinge has a single tooth, while the periostracum is notably rough and thick. In juvenile specimens we often see long, blunt spines.

Coloration can vary thanks to many different hues:

• grayish-brown;
• reddish-brown.

In both cases we can find fine brown zigzag stripes, the flammules. The interior is whitish.

This species is predominantly found in the southwestern Mediterranean, especially along the African coasts, where it is particularly common.

It is also widespread in the eastern Atlantic, from Portugal to the West African coastline.