Oysters, like this one, and mussels have similar bivalve forms, but many differences.
Oysters and mussels are both bivalve mollusks. They have similar appearances and share some of the same traits. However, they are still different animals and therefore have varying properties that set each other apart. These differences are spread across all attributes, from where they live to the regular diet they keep.
Lifespan
The lifespan of the average oyster in captivity is 20 years, according to National Geographic. Mussels have a much longer lifespan. They typically live for several decades, but in certain cases, they have lived for up to a century or even longer.
Varieties
One difference between the two animals is the number of species of each that exists. There are 50 living species of oysters in the world. Several of these are edible. There are many more species of mussels. In the United States, freshwater mussel species number well over 300. In other parts of the world where mussels live, there may be only about 20 species.
Habitat
Oysters are saltwater bivalves while mussels can be found in both saltwater and freshwater communities. Both of these animals live in large clusters called beds. Mussels usually live in beds made up of many different species, while oyster beds are generally made up of one, or just a small number.
Diet & Detritus
Oysters and mussels have mostly different microbes found in their intestines, which suggests they have different ways of processing foods and extracting nutrients from their diets. Detritus, or nonliving organic material, is more important in mussel diets than it is in oysters, for instance. Detritus is rich in cellulose, which oysters do not utilize from this source.
Movement
Oysters remain attached to rocks and will not move their whole life if possible. However, many are dislodged by waves. When they settle, they reattach themselves until they are dislodged again. Mussels, on the other hand, can move freely with the help of a muscular foot, which is inserted into the sand or gravel and used to pull the mussel forward.
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