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mussel beach


mussel beach
Photo Information
Copyright: Bob Harrison (BobH) Silver Note Writer [C: 2 W: 0 N: 42] (112)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-09-09
Categories: Molluscs
Camera: Canon PowerShot S2 IS
Exposure: f/8
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-06-30 2:45
Viewed: 403
Points: 2
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Juvenile blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) are wedged tightly together to form a solid layer on a rock in the lower portion of Maine's 3 to 3.5 m intertidal zone. They fill every space, increasing their protection from waves and predators. This layer appears fairly uniform, so no one is likely to be singled out... ...except for that red one on the right side! Not sure what the explanation is for the odd color, but it also shows up on the edges of a few other shells at left center and bottom left.

This species has commercial and culinary significance in Maine and much of the world. Harvesting the local ones is simple- find them at low tide and pull them off the rocks. Aquaculture methods have been developed at the pilot scale for commercial growth of blue mussels on hanging lines in an open water situation.

The size of the mussels in the photo is about 1 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, but that will change as they mature. Some may reach 8 cm long, though market size is about 5 to 6 cm. While some will reach that size, most of the mussels in this picture will be gone long before that. Many will be eaten on the spot by whelks and starfish, but others may just be squeezed out as they all grow.

Attachment to the rock is by a strong and elastic protein thread, secreted by the byssal gland in the mussel's foot. Detachment of mature mussels from their substrate means certain death. As the mussels grow, they will also be used as a support by barnacles, many of which can be seen already as white spots on the outside of the mussel shells.


tech notes
minor contrast and brightness adjustment only
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To alikox: thanks and replyBobH 1 06-30 09:29
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Bob.
Interesting texture work.
Another composition may be possible with a lower POV and singling out a line of mussels with a shallow DOF. Thanks
Ali

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