Green Mussel

How do green mussels attach themselves to rocks without being swept away by the crashing waves? They produce very strong and sticky protein filaments called byssus threads, which help them to hold tightly to the rocks in spite of the powerful waves and currents!

Green mussels are an important seafood in Southeast Asia and are commercially farmed in our seas. However, if the sea water is polluted, green mussels may absorb toxins produced by harmful algae, which grow very fast in these dirty conditions. If these contaminated mussels are eaten, they can make people sick! That is why it is so important to keep our waters clean and safe for marine life and humans alike!