Peapix

  • Bing Gallery
  • Extension
Peapix
Bing Gallery
Extension
  • United Kingdom
    All
    Australia Canada China Germany France India Japan Spain United Kingdom United States Italy Brazil

Bing Gallery

Australia Canada China Germany France India Japan Spain United Kingdom United States Italy Brazil
  1. Bing Gallery
  2. United Kingdom
  3. 2019
  4. October 21
  5. Colony of Common Mussels (Mytilus edulis) growing on striated rock formation exposed at low tide. Cornwall, England.
arrow_back_ios arrow_forward_ios Colony of Common Mussels (Mytilus edulis) growing on striated rock formation exposed at low tide. Cornwall, England.

October 21, 2019

Colony of Common Mussels (Mytilus edulis) growing on striated rock formation exposed at low tide. Cornwall, England.

© Alex Hyde/Minden Picture

Clinging on. Hanging on by a (byssal) thread

These colourful common, or blue, mussels, clinging to rocks as the tide goes out will be a familiar sight to those who’ve gone rockpooling on beaches all around the UK coast. These little guys use silky but very strong fibres called byssal threads – sometimes referred to as beards – to attach themselves to rocks and hang on against strong currents and crashing waves. Alongside oysters, mussels are a big part of the UK’s shellfish industry. Blue mussels are common on UK shores and are also farmed here, often grown on ropes dangling from rafts in clean waters.

Mussels have been harvested for centuries, with shells reportedly found among food waste dating back to 6000 BC, and are found throughout European waters. Peak season for fresh mussels is October to March as they spawn when waters are warmer, usually in the late spring and summer. Whether barbecued, curried or served classic Belgian-style as moules frites – there are lots of ways to enjoy these tasty and nutritious molluscs.

drawing painting abstract sketch

Related Images

Rainforest hike near Milford Sound/Piopiotahi in New ZealandRainforest hike near Milford Sound/Piopiotahi in New Zealand
Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) in Santa Cruz, ArgentinaCueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) in Santa Cruz, Argentina
Aerial view of the island Pantaleu near Sant Elm, Mallorca, SpainAerial view of the island Pantaleu near Sant Elm, Mallorca, Spain
The Hickman Bridge at Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USAThe Hickman Bridge at Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA
The Acraman crater, AustraliaThe Acraman crater, Australia
Cliffs of the Sierra Ponce and Rio Grande River, Big Bend National Park, Texas, USACliffs of the Sierra Ponce and Rio Grande River, Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA
Bunting across the street in Hay-on-Wye, PowysBunting across the street in Hay-on-Wye, Powys
Misty sunrise on the River Brathay in the Lake District, CumbriaMisty sunrise on the River Brathay in the Lake District, Cumbria

Today on Bing

Otter (Lutra Lutra) in seaweed, Ardnamurchan.

Otter (Lutra Lutra) in seaweed, Ardnamurchan.

Oct 21, 2021
Chameleon walking on a plant, Indonesia

Chameleon walking on a plant, Indonesia

Oct 21, 2020
Apple tree on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada

Apple tree on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada

Oct 21, 2018
A wave building on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, USA

A wave building on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, USA

Oct 21, 2017
The ceiling of the Arab Room at Cardiff Castle

The ceiling of the Arab Room at Cardiff Castle

Oct 21, 2016

Related Tags

painting outdoor grass nature water plant landscape drawing child art valley canyon sky tree autumn lush cave art abstract reef mountain
Share photo
Share
Pin
Tweet
Line
Download 1920x1080
  • © 2022 Peapix.com
  • API
  • App
  • Privacy
The images are provided for wallpaper use only.