New Zealand Seashore

DSC_1099 Nesting mussel, or kuku mau toka (Musculus impactus) detail, nesting 'in situ' beneath overturned rock. Found under stones at low tide throughout New Zealand, where typically the byssal threads of this species form a dense mat, or 'nest', which completely hides the shells. Aquarium Point, Otago Harbour *

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DSC_1099 Nesting mussel, or kuku mau toka (Musculus impactus) detail, nesting 'in situ' beneath overturned rock. Found under stones at low tide throughout New Zealand, where typically the byssal threads of this species form a dense mat, or 'nest', which completely hides the shells. Aquarium Point, Otago Harbour *

DSC 1099 Nesting banded mussel kuku mau toka Musculus impactus Modiolarca impacta byssal threads nest mat Aquarium Point Otago Harbour