Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell elongate, pointed at hinge area, mussel-like, inflated; color whitish with brown outer protective skin (periostracum); juveniles may have a striped pattern; interior white to bluish gray; shell smooth except for concentric growth lines; beak pointed toward anterior end; upper posterior margin nearly straight, with slight angle to a curved ventral margin; shelf on underside of beak; tooth-like projection under shelf. |
Similar Species |
The shelf under the beak distinguishes this shell from true mussels. |
Habitat |
Bays, attaches to hard substrates |
Maximum Size |
1.8 cm (3/4 in) |
Other Common Names |
Conrad's false mussel |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
In the same family as the non-native invasive zebra mussels. Zebra mussels have a more angulate shell. |