Mollusca
Modiolus americanus
(Tulip Mussel)
Size
Length: 4-10cm (1.5 to 4")
Recognition Characters
Oblong, strongly inflated, upper margin is compressed at strong angle in middle, lower margin is slightly concave in center at bysall gap; umbones are swollen behind slightly narrowed front end; a broad, low, curving ridge runs from umbones to hind part of lower margin. Margin is smooth.
Color
Exterior reddish-purple to pinkish-red toward upper margin, whitish below, covered with periostracum that is dark brown toward front end and light brown over rest of shell. Interior is pearly-gray.
Habitat & Depth
On rocks and corals. To 5.5m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Rare or absent.
Geographic Range
South Carolina south to Brazil
Behavior & Notes
Reports of this species at GRNMS may be incorrect.
Synonyms
Modiolus tulipa
Rehder 1981