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Salt Marsh Mollusks

ABOUT MARSHES Ecology Animals Plants Bird's-Eye View

Ribbed mussels can also end up in strange places..

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Ribbed Mussels

Ribbed mussels play a critical role in salt marshes. They filter out extra nutrients and pollutants. Their bissal threads, act like anchors to help keep the marsh from eroding.

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In winter the mussels can withstand freezing.
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Ribbed mussels can also end up in strange places..

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A ribbed mussel attached to a horseshoe crab leg
Read more about ribbed mussels here
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Periwinkles on smooth cord grass

Snails



Snails recycle nutrients in the marsh.

Mud Dog Whelk _F2B3390.jpg - 72688 Bytes Mud dog whelks thrive in a muddy marsh
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© 2006 Doug Wechsler, All Rights Reserved