PORT PHILLIP BAY


Translucent Mussel 

Amygdalum beddomei Iredale, 1924

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

This large and diverse family is represented in Victoria by approximately 20 species. Some species are gregarious and may be the most conspicuous animals on the sea shore. Mussels are characterised by an elongate shell, with the umbo situated at the anterior end, with the posterior area expanded, hinge teeth often not evident. Most species have a well developed, thick periostracum, and are attached to the substrate by a byssus.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Mollusca
Subphylum:
Conchifera
Class:
Bivalvia
Subclass:
Pteriomorphia
Order:
Mytiloida
Family:
Mytilidae
Genus:
Amygdalum
Species:
beddomei

General Description

The shells of this species are delicate, fragile and easily recognised by the pale yellowish colouring and intricate brown patterns on posterior area of exterior shell. Valve rounded apex (umbo) near anterior end. Shell up to 5 cm across.

Biology

This species attaches to the substrate by a group of threads called a byssus.

Habitat

On sand, or in nests formed by the byssus, at depths from 3 to 280 m.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Bivalves

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

5 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Species Code

MoV 208

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Boyd, S.

Sue Boyd is an Honorary Associate in marine invertebrates at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Boyd, S., 2011, Translucent Mussel, Amygdalum beddomei, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5594

Text: creative commons cc by licence