Page 64 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

MOLLUSCS

Reproduction Common name: Rayed Erythrean mussel

identification

Scientific Name:
Brachidontes pharaonis
Picture

Key identifying features
Brief history
The shell is formed of two elongated, trapezoidal
valves that are equal in shape and size. The shell
surface is characterized by distinctly sculpted ribs
Strong ribs; no hairs
radiating from the hinge of the two valves towards the
shell margin. The ribs are coarser towards the
margin. The internal shell margin is serrated. The
outside of the shell is dark brown, while the interior is
Reproduction
violet. Adult shells can reach up to 4 cm in length.
It reproduces all year around and has a short
development cycle that results in young bivalves in
Field identification signs and habitat about 10-20 days. Adults live for up to five years.
The rayed Erythrean mussel is found in shallow and
sheltered marine areas and in hypersaline waters
(> 45 PSU). It can live in polluted waters such as
those close to municipal waste-water pipes. It can
reach very dense populations of up to 11,000
individuals per square metre. It can also tolerate high
water temperatures of up to 31 °C.

Brachidontes pharaonis. Photo: H. Nier Brachidontes pharaonis in the intertidal. Photo: B. Galil

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