General Description
Shells of this species are dark brown with an exterior sculpture of fine radial lines (striae) and distinctive outer coating (periostracum) of long, barbed, coarse hairs. Shell up to 6 cm across.
Biology
This species attaches to rocks by a group of threads called a byssus.
Distribution
South-eastern and eastern Australia.
Habitat
Attached to rock, from intertidal areas to depth of 15 m.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Covering of coarse hairs, radial lines, dark brown.
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Maximum Size
6 cm
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Habitats
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Diet
Organic matter
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Endemicity
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
DSE Advisory List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Not listed
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Depths
Shore (0-1 m), Shallow (1-30 m)
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Water Column Locations
On or near seafloor
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Taxon Name
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Scientific Author
(Lamarck, 1819)
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Common Name
Hairy Mussel
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Phylum
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Subphylum
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Class
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Subclass
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
hirsuta
