hooked mussel

The hooked mussel, or bent mussel (Mytilus recurvus), is a type of marine bivalve mollusk belonging to the family Mytilidae. These mussels are typically greenish-brown to purplish-black and can grow up to about 4 cm in length. They are found along the coast from New England to the Caribbean.1

Mussels, in general, are bivalves that attach themselves to surfaces using proteinaceous threads called byssus threads. They can be found in dense clusters, and some species burrow into soft materials. Mussels are an important food source for humans and are commercially cultivated in many parts of the world. However, some species, like the zebra mussel, are considered invasive pests that can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and cause significant economic damage.12