Little Black Mussel

Xenostrobus pulex

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

Small mussel with relatively elongate, convex shell. Hinged margin straight; opposite margin curved. Shell smooth apart from concentric growth-rings; often heavily eroded. Shiny and black or occasionally brown when young, but older shells are usually blue-black and patchily eroded, often encrusted with coralline algae

Size

Can grow to around 25mm long

Habitat

Attached to intertidal rocks

Distribution

Southern Australia including around Tasmania

Gallery

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Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2022-08-05 17:05:55)
MolluscaBase eds. (2021). MolluscaBase. Xenostrobus pulex (Lamarck, 1819). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species (accessed 2021-11-04 11:23:00)

Quick Facts

Common name: Little Black Mussel
Scientific name: Xenostrobus pulex (Lamarck, 1819)
Family: Mytilidae
Category: Sea Life › Shellfish
Origin: Native
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Information Website

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.