PORT PHILLIP BAY


Hairy Mussel 

Trichomya hirsuta (Lamarck, 1819)

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:
Trichomya
Species:
hirsuta

General Description

Shells of this species are dark brown with an exterior sculpture of fine radial lines (striae) and distinctive outer coating (periostracum) of long, barbed, coarse hairs. Shell up to 6 cm across.

Biology

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

Habitat

Attached to rock, from intertidal areas to depth of 15 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

South-eastern and eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Bivalves

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

6 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

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, Hairy Mussel, Trichomya hirsuta, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 06 Jan 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5653

Text: creative commons cc by licence