Clusters are abundant in shallow quiet bays, harbors,
and exposed coasts. Shells only have fine concentric growth rings. Attains
5 inches. Species are virtually impossible to distinguish by shell
structure. Intentional importation for culture along with
dispersal via ballast water and manmade structures has resulted in
hybridization with native species in some areas.
Mytilus edulis is native to the North Atlantic and introduced to Puget Sound and the Georgia
Strait.
Mytilus trossulus is native
to temperate & cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and North Pacific south to San
Francisco.
Mytilus galloprovincialis is native to warm temperate waters
of SW Europe. It was introduced to the West Coast of North
America, East Asia, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii. It has replaced native M. trossulus south
of San Francisco and hybridizes with it in WA and BC.
More
information on Blue Mussel distribution
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