Mytilidae

The topic of Mytilidae is one that has sparked interest and debate in a variety of circles, from academics and experts, to ordinary people. This topic has been the subject of exhaustive studies, passionate discussions and deep reflections around the world. Over time, Mytilidae has been an integral part of society and has played a crucial role in the lives of many people. From its impacts on culture and history, to its influence on technology and science, Mytilidae has left an indelible mark on humanity. In this article, we will explore the highlights and relevant aspects of Mytilidae, and discuss its importance in the current context.

Mytilidae
Two shells of Mytilus edulis washed up on a beach
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Mytilida
Superfamily: Mytiloidea
Family: Mytilidae
Rafinesque, 1815
Genera

32, See text

The Mytilidae are a family of small to large marine and brackish-water bivalve molluscs in the order Mytilida. One of the genera, Limnoperna, even inhabits freshwater environments. Mytilidae, which contains some 52 genera, is the only extant family within the order Mytilida.[1]

Species in the family Mytilidae are found worldwide, but they are more abundant in colder seas, where they often form uninterrupted beds on rocky shores in the intertidal zone and the shallow subtidal. The subfamily Bathymodiolinae is found in deep-sea habitats.

Mytilids include the well-known, edible sea mussels.

A common feature of the shells of mussels is an asymmetrical shell, which has a thick, adherent periostracum. The animals attach themselves to a solid substrate using a byssus.

A 2020 study of the phylogeny of the Mytilidae recovered two main clades derived from an epifaunal ancestor, with subsequent lineages shifting to other lifestyles, and correlating convergent evolution of siphon traits.[2]

Subfamilies and genera

A bed of the edible California mussel, Mytilus californianus
Mussels and attached barnacles on the Cornish coast near Newquay
Mytilus (Falcimytilus) jurensis from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Matmor Formation of southern Israel

As of March 2025, the World Register of Marine Species accepts 32 genera split into eight subfamilies.[1]

Subfamily Brachidontinae

Subfamily Crenellinae

Subfamily Dacrydiinae

Subfamily Lithophaginae

Subfamily Mytilinae

Subfamily Mytiliseptinae

Subfamily Septiferinae

†Subfamily Xenomytilinae

Incertae sedis

References

  1. ^ a b Schneider, Simon (2024-10-12). "Mytilidae Rafinesque, 1815". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2025-03-29.
  2. ^ Audino, Jorge A.; Serb, Jeanne M.; Marian, José Eduardo A. R. (2020). "Phylogeny and anatomy of marine mussels (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) reveal convergent evolution of siphon traits". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 190 (2): 592–612. doi:10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa011.