New Zealand Seashore

DSC_5380 Boring mussel (Zelithophaga truncata) habitat at low tide, also favoured by piddocks. Boring mussels favour the lower two thirds of this 'Piddock zone'. Mussel valves are covered in a rich-brown periostrachum, which developes a dense, closely cropped stubble at the pointed end. Uses an acid secretion to bore into soft rocks. Cheltenham Beach, North Shore

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DSC_5380 Boring mussel (Zelithophaga truncata) habitat at low tide, also favoured by piddocks. Boring mussels favour the lower two thirds of this 'Piddock zone'. Mussel valves are covered in a rich-brown periostrachum, which developes a dense, closely cropped stubble at the pointed end. Uses an acid secretion to bore into soft rocks. Cheltenham Beach, North Shore

DSC 5380 Boring mussel Zelithophaga truncata habitat low tide holes bored soft mudstone rock Cheltenham Beach North Shore