Bisexual mussel

Introduction: Bisexual mussels (Semimytilus algosus) have a male gonad on one side and a female on the other. This hermaphroditic species is small and elongate in shape.

Distribution: Throughout the coastal waters of Namibia from Luderitz north to the Kunene River mouth.

Diet: Filter-feeds through an enlarged sheet-like gill

Colouration: Smooth brown shell that swells below the apex

Breeding: Enormous amounts of sperm and eggs develop into planktonic larvae once shed into the water.

Max size: 50mm