Home

Mussel, Little Black

Scientific name:

Xenostrobus neozelanicus

Maori name:

Hauea

Other names:

Hauea
Mussel, Flea
Mussel, Little Black

Category:

Invertebrate

Phylum:

Mollusca

Class:

Bivalvia

Family:

Mytilidae

‹ ›

Common habitat(s):

Rocky Shore Intertidal

Other information:

Feeding:

Filter Feeder

Distribution:

New Zealand

Edibility:
Edible

Edible

Size:

Coin Sized

Identification:

It has a shiny black shell externally and can be confused with juvenile Blue Mussels.

Habitat:

It is most visible in the mid tide where it can form dense mats on semi protected to high energy rocky shores.

Diet:

Filter feeder.

Lifestyle:

Notes:

References:

NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1