Modiolus americanus (Leach, 1815)
Tulip mussel
Modiolus americanus
photo by FAO

Family:  Mytilidae (sea mussels)
Max. size:  11 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 1 - 11 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Shell mussel-shaped, trigonal, thin. Sculpture of fine growth lines. Umbones swollen, not terminal (away from pointed end of shell). Hinge teeth absent. Periostracum heavy, sometimes hair-like. Colour: externally light brown with blush of rose, purple or orange (concentrated on umbones) and purple streaks, but with a white oblique streak in the middle of shell, internally pearly whitish, tinged with rose or purple (Ref. 271).
Biology:  It is attached to hard substrates intertidally or at shallow subtidal depths, mostly in coral reef areas (Ref. 271).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 

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