Blue mussel

Scientific: Mytilus edulis. English: Blue mussel. Icelandic: Kræklingur, bláskel. For more languages see the Marine Animal Dictionary.

Biology and distribution

The blue mussel is widely distributed all around Iceland. It is purely a seashore or shallow water species, found down to depths of a few metres. It is attached to the bottom by filaments called byssus threads. It is purely a filter feeder, filtering microscopic plankton from the water. The blue mussel can grow rapidly under favourable conditions and can reach sexual maturity one year old.

Poisons may accumulate in shellfish following algal blooms in the height of summer. Although a fairly rare occurrence in Iceland, this phenomenon must be kept in mind by those who like to collect fresh shellfish for eating whole from the shell. The poison is most frequently found in the gonads. The Marine Research Institute regularly collects phytoplankton samples from blue mussel areas to establish if toxic algae are present and meat from blue mussel is screened for toxins before it enters the market.

Many species of mussels are found all around the world, and many of these are grown in aquaculture. The blue mussel itself is abundant on both sides of the North Atlantic. Closely related species are also in the southern hemisphere.

Aquaculture

The blue mussel has been harvested in limited amounts in Iceland for local consumption or for bait. Recently, successful experiments have been conducted on blue mussel mariculture. More information on this is available in the chapter on aquaculture.

Processing and markets

The processing of blue mussel has not yet reached industrial scale, and is still mostly for local consumption. It is cooked by boiling it lightly, or until the shell opens up.

References and further information

References: (Gunnarsson et al, 1998).

For full citation and further information on the main species in general see this page

Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson, University of Akureyri