Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Bivalvia

Order: Veneroida

Family: Arcticidae

Scientific name: Arctica islandica

 

Norwegian: kuskjell

Distribution: This mussel is very common along the entire Norwegian coast, from the tidal zone and as deep as 500 meters. It is usually buried in sand or muddy substrate, and only the shell opening and perhaps a small part of the shell can be seen.

Characteristics: Juveniles often take a orange color. The dark blue, almost black color we are familiar with, comes with age. 220 years old individuals have been registered, so there is a pretty good chance this individual will survive both you and me. The shell is rounded, compared to the horse mussel, with many fine concentric lines. It can reach a diameter of 12 cm. The surface is glossy.

All pictures:

(Vingsand - Sør-Trøndelag / 20 meters / 9.20.2003)