Language
Country/Area
No result found
The mystery of the color of green mussels: Why do their shells turn blue or purple
The green mussel (Mytilus edulis), also known as the common green mussel, is a medium-sized edible marine bivalve mollusk belonging to the family Mytilidae. It is the only living true mussel Beiwei is a family. Green mussels have a wide range of commercial uses and have a place in aquaculture. Furthermore, the blue mussel is a species with a wide distribution range, found on beaches around the world, and empty shells can often be found.
The shells of green mussels can appear in a variety of colors, including blue or purple, and how these colors are formed has sparked much research.
Scientific distribution of green mussels
The blue mussel complex consists of at least three closely related species that occur in temperate to polar waters of the North Atlantic (including the Mediterranean) and North Pacific. Furthermore, the distribution of these strains has recently changed due to human activities.
Different strains can interbreed in the same habitat, meaning that the colour and size of green mussels will vary depending on the environment they live in. Green mussels live primarily in the intertidal zone attached to rocks and other hard substrates, anchored to the bottom by strong adhesive threads they secrete.
The shell color of green mussels and its causes
The shells of green mussels are generally purple, blue, sometimes brown, and occasionally have radial stripes. The shell of the green mussel is covered with a substance called the integument, which wears away over time, revealing the colorful calcareous layer underneath.
Color changes in green mussels may be influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, disease, and genetics.
Reproduction and growth of green mussels
The reproductive system of green mussels is characterized by dioecious sex. During the breeding season, mature sperm and eggs are released into the water column for fertilization. However, the fertilization rate of blue mussel eggs is often very low, with only about 1% of the larvae being able to mature and become adults.
The experiment found that the DNA of green mussels was significantly damaged under the influence of environmental pollutants, which posed a threat to their reproductive capacity.
Role in environmental monitoring
Because green mussels can accumulate a variety of pollutants, they are often used as a monitoring indicator of marine pollution. In addition, different environmental factors, such as water temperature and food scarcity, also have a significant impact on the growth and development of blue mussels.
In a study, researchers found that when green mussels were contaminated by heavy metals, their DNA broke and their ability to repair DNA weakened, revealing the potential risks of changes in the marine environment to their survival.
Ecosystem services of green mussels
As filter feeders, blue mussels play an important role in ecosystems, especially in wetland and coastal habitats. They improve water quality by filtering bacteria and toxins from the water, but their numbers are declining due to climate change and human activities.
This reduction not only affects the reproduction and growth of blue mussels, but also threatens the balance of the ecosystem. Many small fish and other animals that rely on blue mussels for habitat and reproduction are also facing survival challenges.
The conservation and future of green mussels
As ocean acidification and other environmental challenges intensify, human intervention is critical. Protecting blue mussels and their habitats is critical to maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems. This has prompted scientists and conservationists to seek effective protection measures to jointly ensure the future of this important species.
With the changes in the living environment of green mussels and environmental pollution, what will be the future of these beautiful shells?
