Ribbed mussel

Introduction: Ribbed mussel (Aulacomya ater) have unmistakeable continuous wavy ridges along the length of the shell, hence the common name. Beds of ribbed mussels occur on rocky reefs and in the intertidal up to about 40m deep. This is a very slow growing animal that can take up to 10 years to develop fully.

Distribution: Survives in the coldest waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the Kunene River mouth south to Möwe Bay, Terrace Bay, Torra Bay, Henties Bay, Wlozkasbaken and Jakkalsputz to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, south to Sandwich Harbour and Luderitz.

Diet: Sucks water in and out of specialized filters

Colouration: Brown shell in juveniles changing to blue-black in adults

Breeding: Sperm and eggs are spawned into the water, developing into planktonic larvae.

Max size: 90mm