The word "mussel" is also used for many freshwater bivalves, including the freshwater pearl mussels. Freshwater mussel species inhabit lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, canals. Mussels are classified with the Heterodonta, the taxonomic group which includes most of the bivalves commonly referred to as "clams".
Marine mussels are eaten by humans, starfish, seabirds, and by numerous species. Freshwater mussels are eaten by otters, raccoons, ducks, baboons etc. Humans have used mussels as food for thousands of years and continue to do so. In cooking, the byssus of the mussel is known as the "beard" and is removed before the mussels are prepared.
Leave A Comment EmoticonEmoticon