Mussels are two-shelled (bivalve) molluscs. A hinge-like ligament joins the two shells, which can close together to protect the soft body of the animal within. A river mussel does not usually move far, anchored into the substratum with its foot, and opening only to breathe, feed or expel waste.
When animals reproduce, however, there are undeniable benefits if the offspring can travel some distance from their parents (such as increased food availability). One way many mussels ensure this is by dispersing their offspring into the water to hitch a ride on a fish. The tiny (0.2mm) larvae are equipped with even tinier hooks, so they can attach to fins and, when the fish takes in water containing larvae, the larvae can latch onto its gills (see page 11).
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