Little Black Horse Mussel,
Xenostrobus pulex

Form:

The Little Black Horse Mussel is almost triangular in shape, with one edge almost straight while the other edge has a distinct hump.

The shell is long, inequilateral and fattened. The shell is mostly smooth, with a sculpture of fine concentric lines.

Colour:

The Little Black Horse Mussel's shell is blue-black, covered by a shiny black covering (periostracum). Inside the shell is a slightly iridescent blue.

Distribution:

Occurs from New South Wales, around southern Australia to Yanchep, just north of Perth, Western Australia. Also occurs in New Zealand.

Habitat:

The Little Black Horse Mussel is an extremely common species living in large clusters where sand and rock meet on medium to high energy coasts. Also occurs in some areas on jetty piles above mid tide level.

References:

Bennett, I. (1987) W. J. Dakin's classic study: Australian Seashores. p. 217, Angus & Robertson, Sydney.

Davey, K. (1998) A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life of Australia. p. 122, New Holland, Sydney.

Edgar, G. J. (1997) Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. p.286 Reed Books, Kew.

Marine Research Group of Victoria (1984) Coastal Invertebrates of Victoria: an atlas of selected species. p. 83, Museum of Victoria, Melbourne.

Macpherson, J. H. & Gabriel, C. J. (1962) Marine Molluscs of Victoria. p. 636, Melbourne University Press & The National Museum of Victoria.

Shepherd, S. A. & Thomas, I. M. (1982) Marine Invertebrates of Victoria, Pt. 2.p. 632, South Australian Government Printer, Adelaide.

Molluscs
Bivalves

Edible Mussel
Little Black Horse Mussel
Commercial Oyster

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