The common mussel also called the blue mussel Mytilus edulis belongs to the mollusca (mollusks), also called shellfish. Because they have a left and right shell, mussels are classified within the group of mollusks as bivalvia, the bivalves. Mussels are widespread throughout the world, including along the coasts of Europe. In Dutch waters mussels were found mainly in the Zeeland delta and in the Wadden area. Mussels can form large mussel beds with distinctive structures, and they are important habitat for other species and are food-rich places for birds and marine animals.
