NAT

Iceland Cyprine

This mussel (Lat. Arctica islandica or Cyprina islandica) is the most common of the molluscs in Icelandic waters from the tidal areas to the depth of 100 metres. The colour of young mussels is light brown and the gray brown or dark brown. It reaches 12 cm length, and 220 years individuals have been found. The shell is rounded, glossy and has many concentric lines. It was commonly used as bait, but is not commercially exploited any more.

Photo Credit: Hans Hillewaert