New Zealand Hairy Mussel

Modiolus areolatus

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

Shell moderately large to large, transversely ovate, capacious, narrowly rounded at the anterior end, and broadly winged posteriorly. Creamy-white, stained reddish-purple over the dorso-posterior area, and covered by a thick reddish-chestnut periostracum, that develops stiff hair-like tufts, towards growing margin of shell

Size

Typical shell-length 90 mm

Habitat

Lives subtidally and offshore amongst rocks and seaweed, especially in moderately sheltered environments; often embedded in sponges

Distribution

Endemic to southeastern and southwestern Australia (NSW, TAS, VIC, SA and WA). In Tasmanian waters, this is a widespread and common species

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. Grove, S.J. (2018). A Guide to the Seashells and other Marine Molluscs of Tasmania web-site (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © wildroo

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.