Facts about Mussels

1. 07

   Temperature changes cause mussels to close their shells, and prolonged exposure above 30 degrees Celsius can trigger mass mortality events in wild populations.

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2. 06

   Within their shells, mussels possess a muscular foot that can extend and retract to help them move across the seafloor at speeds up to 1 meter per hour.

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3. 05

   Mussel farming produces approximately 2 million tonnes annually worldwide, making it one of the most cultivated aquaculture species globally.

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4. 04

   Pearl formation in mussels occurs when an irritant becomes coated with nacre layers, producing gems that can take 2-3 years to develop in freshwater species.

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5. 03

   Some mussel species can live for over 100 years, with the ocean quahog mussel reaching verified lifespans exceeding 500 years.

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6. 02

   Zebra mussels can attach to surfaces using up to 16 byssal threads, allowing them to colonize pipes and infrastructure in the Great Lakes since their accidental introduction in 1988.

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7. 01

   A single mussel can filter up to 15 liters of water daily, removing plankton and organic particles through its gills.

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