Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell thin, oblong, moderately inflated, wider at the posterior end than anterior end, shell widest in the center, beak just behind anterior end, lower margin slightly concave; color reddish brown to brown, may have slight purplish tinge; inside smooth, glossy with pink to purple color on ventral half, dorsal half bluish white; prominent oblique hump or ridge from beak to posterior margin, sometimes with whitish streak beneath keel; fine concentric growth rings; depression from beak to widest part of shell on ventral margin. |
Similar Species |
Similar to the chestnut mussel but more narrow at anterior end. |
Habitat |
Gulf, sandy-shelly bottoms, may attach to coral |
Maximum Size |
12.7 cm (5 in) |
Other Common Names |
Atlantic ribbed mussel, tulip mussel |
Previous Scientific Names |
Modiolus tulipa |
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