Phylum Mollusca: Class Bivalva

1. Mussels

Common Name: Blue mussel

Scientific Name: Mytilus edulis

Classification

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia
Order Mytilida
Family Mytilidae
Genus Mytilus
Species Mytilus edulis
Mytilus edulis (common blue mussel); adults en masse in habitat
©ANDREAS TREPTE/WWW.PHOTO-NATUR.NET/VIA WIKIPEDIA-CC BY-SA 2.5
Blue Mussels
©SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL

Habitat

Blue mussels are mostly found in intertidal areas attached to rocks and other hard substrates by strong,

elastic, thread-like structures called byssal threads, secreted by byssal glands located in the foot of the

mussel. They usually live half-buried in gravel, sand or mud on the bottoms of lakes and streams. They

can live in freshwater or saltwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes and oceans and generally prefer clean

calm waters where they can easily find food and grow.

Economic & Scientific Importance

- They are consumed by humans as a source of protein.

- They provide a significant source of income for fishermen and the aquaculture industry.

- They play a crucial role in natural water filtration, which helps improve water quality and

maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems.

- The study of mussels and their biology can lead to advancements in various fields, including
biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and environmental management.

- Their relatively simple anatomy and genome make them useful for experimental studies

- They serve as ecological indicators of the health of ecosystems, due to their sensitivity to

changes in water quality and environmental conditions.

2. Oysters

Common name: West African Mangrove Oyster

Scientific name: Crassostrea tulipa

Classification

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia
Order Ostredia
Family Ostreidae
Genus Crassostrea
Species Crassostrea tulipa

Images

Habitat

The mangrove oyster is found in tropical intertidal zones growing on the bark of the stilt sections of
mangrove trees which are exposed during low tides and covered during high tides. This oyster is found
on West African shorelines. In Nigeria, they are commonly found in the Niger Delta in the mangrove
forests occurring in brackish water
References

- Wikipedia

- Cabi Digital Library

- E.K Ajani & O.O Oyebola : Growth performance of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) in Ofiki River,

Oyo State , Nigeria (June 2004 – June 2005).

- World Register of Marine Species (WORMS)