Have you ever wondered how long a mussel can live? Whether you're an enthusiast of marine life or just curious, this article will tell you how long a mussel can live. life of a musselWe'll be taking a look at the different species of mussel, in particular the pearl mussel and the common mussel. We will also cover some technical information for those who like precision fishing.
Life span of pearl and common mussels
The pearl mussel is a mollusc a bivalve that lives in rivers and plays an essential role in water quality. This little jewel of nature can live for more than a century and sometimes produces pearls. Not to be confused with the common mussel (Mytilus edulis), which is found mainly in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, English Channel, Baltic and North Sea.
The common mussel, with its bluish-black shell, lives mainly in the intertidal zone to a depth of 10 metres. It is generally found on rocky bottoms, in estuaries or clinging to harbours.
Its lifespan varies enormously depending on where it is located:
- Three years in depth.
- It can reach up to fifteen years in other environments.
Fun fact: as a great animal lover, I have a surprising aquarium at home, and I've been trying to get a few common mussels to live there. It was a unique experience, but a real headache to keep the water parameters right!
Adaptations and resistance of the common mould
The common mussel has a number of adaptive abilities that enable it to survive in a variety of environments. For example, it can withstand being out of the water for a few days and can switch to an anaerobic metabolism in the event of a lack of oxygen. However, be careful: this mussel may not be eaten if there is a bloom of toxic algae producing mytilitoxin.
They feed by filtering water, up to three litres an hour, capturing phytoplankton and zooplankton to meet their food requirements. During the breeding season, these mussels are particularly prolific, producing millions of eggs every year.
Growing conditions for the common mussel depend on a number of environmental factors. Ideal conditions include :
- Water temperature between 10°C and 20°C.
- A salinity of 12 to 38 ‰.
In the Mediterranean, it can sometimes be confused with the mussel of Provence or the Spanish mussel. These regional differences are fascinating and remind us just how well nature works. When I saw these molluscs by the sea, I had no idea they could have so many subtleties!
Multi-cavity moulds for industrial production
In addition to their incredible lifespan in natural environments, moulds are also used in industrial environments. Several companies specialise in the manufacture of injection moulds for different sectors, including medical and cosmetics.
For example, some companies are developing multi-cavity moulds that can produce large quantities. The aim is to meet the massive demand for packaging, including food packaging. I've even learned that some technologies can inject and assemble up to 48 parts in just 15 seconds!
| Type of mould | Usage | Production (pieces/time) |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-cavity mould | Industry | 48 pieces/15s |
| Packaging mould | Food | Varies according to demand |
In collaboration with Thermi-Platin, some companies offer DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) surface treatments. This treatment extends the life of mould parts thanks to vacuum deposition, a highly innovative technique for high-precision enthusiasts.
Avoid predators and natural obstacles
Like all living creatures, common mussels also have their predators and natural obstacles. These include
- The birds.
- Crustaceans.
- Starfish.
- The fish.
- Humans, especially during the harvest.
In addition, blue mussels, another common species, can serve as a support for attached organisms such as barnacles and algae. This cohabitation often creates a fascinating micro-ecosystem to observe.
For young department managers like me, looking after the health of our mussels is essential. The well-being of these animals depends not only on their natural environment, but also on how we handle them during transport and care in the aquarium.
So, the next time you see a pearl or common mussel, think of all these little marvels of adaptation and natural engineering, as well as the technical feats developed to extend their lifespan in both natural and industrial environments.
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