Atlantic Ribbed Mussel

Geukensia demissa

The Atlantic ribbed mussel is a bivalve mollusk with glossy, ribbed shells that vary in color from olive or yellowish-brown to black. The insides of the shells are iridescent blue to silvery white.

During summer, when ribbed mussels spawn, gender can be determined by the color of its mantle: females tend to be brownish and males are a yellowish-cream color.

Atlantic ribbed mussels grow to about 4 inches.

Where does the Atlantic ribbed mussel live?

Atlantic ribbed mussels live in salt marshes and flats along the middle and lower Bay. They are usually found half-buried in mud and muck, attached to marsh grass roots or other surfaces by strong, thread-like strands secreted from the mussel's byssus gland.

What does the Atlantic ribbed mussel eat?

Atlantic ribbed mussels are filter feeders. They feed during high tide by opening their shells slightly and drawing water into their mouth, filtering out algae, plankton and other particles.

How does the Atlantic ribbed mussel reproduce?

Atlantic ribbed mussels spawn in spring and summer. They are not known to spawn more than once per season.

Mussel larvae settle mostly on clumps of adult mussels, adjusting their positions for the next few months.

Other facts about the Atlantic ribbed mussel:

• An Atlantic ribbed mussel's age can be determined by counting the ribs on its shell.
• While Atlantic ribbed mussels are edible, they have an unpleasant taste, unlike the popular blue mussel.
• At low tide, the Atlantic ribbed mussel closes its shells, keeping in waste products that may be toxic to humans. Because of this, ribbed mussels should only be collected during high tide.