Three shells for ID

[jdoherty]

I hope someone from WAB can help with these shells for ID. The first looked like a mussel but it was about twice the size of a large mussel and the colour was distinctly purple. The second was taken on the shore at Rosapenna Co Donegal and the third was taken at the harbour in Greencastle Co Donegal.

Thanks for your help, John.

[Jim Greenfield]

Not too clued up on shells but by what you say about the size and colour of the first one, it must be a horse mussel, Modiolus modiolus. They have been known to reach a length of 20cms.
The third could be some type of oyster but hopefully you'll get a better idea from a more expert member

Jim Greenfield
British Marine Life: British Marine Life

[Jason Claxton]

Hi John

The middle one is Gari (One of the Sunset shells), Gari fervensis ( Faroe Sunset Shell), I think,but I can't be quite sure from that view(I'll blame the angle)


Cheers Jason

[jdoherty]

Originally Posted by Jim Greenfield

Not too clued up on shells but by what you say about the size and colour of the first one, it must be a horse mussel, Modiolus modiolus. They have been known to reach a length of 20cms.
The third could be some type of oyster but hopefully you'll get a better idea from a more expert member

Jim Greenfield
British Marine Life: British Marine Life

I remember that the shell in the first pic was at least 15 cms in length. I hope this helps.

John

[ladyhawk]

probally gets these wrong but good learning for me, common mussel, thin tellin, and scallop