The Bearded Horse Mussel, scientifically known as Modiolus barbatus, is a species of marine bivalve mollusk that can be found in various coastal regions. This species is particularly notable for its characteristic long, thread-like filaments that resemble a beard, giving rise to its common name.
Description & Characteristics
The Modiolus barbatus is a medium-sized mussel, typically reaching a maximum size of around 8 cm in length. Its shell is elongated and oval-shaped, with a smooth, glossy surface. The color of the shell can vary from brown to black, often with a bluish or purplish tinge. The characteristic beard-like filaments, which are actually byssal threads, are located near the hinge of the shell. These threads serve to attach the mussel to rocks, seaweed, and other substrates.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Modiolus barbatus is a widely distributed species, found in intertidal and subtidal zones along the coasts of Europe, Africa, and North America. This species typically inhabits rocky shores, kelp forests, and seagrass beds, thriving in a variety of marine zones. They are commonly found in depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 100 meters.
Taxonomy
The Modiolus barbatus belongs to the family Mytilidae, which includes a wide range of mussels and other bivalve mollusks. This family falls under the order Mytilida, a group characterized by their elongated, wedge-shaped shells. These mussels are further classified within the Class Bivalvia, a diverse group of marine and freshwater mollusks with two hinged shells.
Feeding
The Modiolus barbatus is a filter feeder, primarily consuming microscopic organisms like zooplankton. It accomplishes this by drawing water into its mantle cavity, where the gills trap food particles. The filtered water is then expelled, leaving the nutritious zooplankton behind.
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