About Modiolus barbatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Modiolus barbatus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a species of mussel, commonly called the bearded horse mussel. The shell of an adult Modiolus barbatus reaches 30–60 millimetres (1.2–2.4 in) in length. It has an elongated shape that is either ovoid or rhomboidal, with a curved or obtuse dorsal margin. The outer surface of the shell is dark brown, while the inner surface of the shell valves is blue or slightly iridescent gray. This species is distinguished by a periostracum covered in long, stiff, flat bristles. Individuals attach themselves to the substrate using strong byssus threads. Modiolus barbatus occurs in the marine environment from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea, along the southern and western coasts of Great Britain and Ireland, and along the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It forms large communities on rocks and stones in coastal habitats, found at depths between 5 and 110 m. Bearded horse mussels are harvested from their natural beds for human consumption, usually alongside Mytilus galloprovincialis.
