Size

Length: 1.5-5cm (0.5-2")

Recognition Characters

Small mussel, oblongly cylindrical. Inflated, moderately thin shelled with lower margin gently convex. Two radial grooves run from umbones to hind end marking off a low, broad, widening ridge. The ridge is calcified, gradually widening, and projecting beyond end of valves.

Color

Exterior is brown covered with a thin, grainy, grayish-white limy layer. Interior is purplish-grey.

Habitat & Depth

In coral and rocks from shallow water to 137m depth.

Distribution at GRNMS

Occasional. May be common within rocks and ledges.

Geographic Range

North Carolina south to Brazil

Behavior & Notes

Mussels in the genus Lithophaga bore into coral and limestone rock using secretions that dissolve calcium carbonate. They can also burrow or bore into firm mud or clay.

Synonyms

References

Rehder 1981