The California mussel (Mytilus californianus) is a large edible mussel, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Mytilidae. This species is native to the west coast of North America, occurring from northern Mexico to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.

The mussel quarantine is a yearly event prohibiting the public from harvesting mussels for human consumption due to potentially dangerous levels of biotoxins that may be present in shellfish anywhere on the California coast, including bays, inlets and harbors.

Nov 16, 2020 · In California, the peak breeding times are during July and December. Mussels filter feed on various species of plankton. Small mussels are eaten by crabs, shore birds, and predatory sea snails that bore holes through the mussel's shell and feed on its soft tissues.

Golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive, non-native freshwater/brackish bivalve, was recently discovered in the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta. This discovery is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America.

When exposed to air, mussels become fortresses, protecting themselves against the elements. Under water, they become active. Their shells open slightly and tiny hairs, or cilia, beat rhythmically to draw in water that carries tiny particles of food.

The California mussel (Mytilus californianus) is a large edible mussel, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Mytilidae. This species is native to the west coast of North America, occurring from northern Mexico to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.

Nov 16, 2020 · California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Marine Region (Region 7) Regional Manager: Dr. Craig Shuman. Main Office: 20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100, Monterey, CA 93940. [email protected] | (831) 649-2870. Office Locations| Marine Blog| Subscribe

Dec 17, 2024 · WINTERS – The most recent, and perhaps the potentially the most devastating, invasive species to enter California’s waters is the golden mussel, discovered at several sites within the California Delta and in the reservoirs of the California Aqueduct.

Apr 4, 1993 · Mytilus californianus: Very small individuals. Royal Palm State Beach, Los Angeles. Description: This mussel shell has a thick profile and the anterior end (umbo) is sharply pointed. It has strong radial ribs and irregular transverse growth lines. Parts of shell are often eroded. The periostracum is usually heavy and blue-black.

Oct 11, 2013 · The California mussel, Mytilus californianus, is a large edible mussel, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Mytilidae. This species is native to the west coast of North America, occurring from northern Mexico to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.