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Scientific name |
Xenostrobus pulex |
Common name |
Little Horse Mussel/Flea Mussel |
Life on the Edge |
Page 35 |
Group |
Mussels |
Where to find |
Exposed rocky reefs and intertidal areas |
Description |
| This species is a small, shiny, purple-black mussel. The shell is inflated and has the umbo (bulge) at the end of a sharp ridge. Length to 2.5 cm
These small black mussels form dense mats on the rocky shore and attach themselves to the rocky substrate with strong threads. Mussels are filter feeders and in turn are prey for a number of birds, fish, crabs, and carnivorous snails. |