The mussels of the North Sea

The active drill shell

The drill mussel is a species that is very active. It bores into the bottom of the Wadden Sea and has its habitat there. The mussel species is not native, but was introduced from America together with farmed oysters. The shells of the mussel are light and oblong oval. A ribbed pattern emanates from one side of the shell, which becomes weaker and weaker on the other side. You cannot eat the inside of the burr mussel.

The vaginal clam with its special look

The vagina is also under the Names Known razor clam. It is up to 17 centimeters long and has a very narrow housing. Overall, its appearance is reminiscent of a sword scabbard, which is how it gets its name. The vaginal clam was introduced into the North Sea from America. You can't eat the clam.

The cockle is the most common species in the North Sea

Cockles are the most common group of mussels in the Wadden Sea. It bears its name because of its heart-shaped outline. There are small grooves on the surface. The basic color of the shells is light. You can eat most types of cockles. Fishing for these clams is in Germany forbidden. There are several reasons for this. Birds that feed on cockles are particularly affected by fishing. The habitat of the mussels also makes fishing a problem. They live a few centimeters in the bottom of the Wadden Sea. To get to the mussels, the bottom is destroyed when fishing.

The mussels are not lousy mussels

The special name of the mussel is not the program. It is derived from the Middle High German word "lousy". This word stands for the moss. The mussel weaves small threads, whose optics reminiscent of moss. The shells of the mussel are elongated oval and have a dark gray-purple color. Mussels usually live in mussel banks in the North Sea. However, these banks were destroyed by fishing. As a result, mussel-eating birds have a food deficit. The species Mytilus edulis of the order Mytiloida can be eaten. In order to enable enjoyment despite the nature conservation problems, mussels are cultivated.

The oyster as a delicacy

The European oyster has slightly wavy shells that are white and brown in color. In Germany there are no more living animals due to overfishing. Nevertheless, it happens that empty bowls are still washed up. These are at least 70 years old. The Pacific oyster, on the other hand, is the ultimate delicacy. You too have probably already discovered this on one or the other menu. The surface of their shells has a rock-like grain and color. The mussel actually comes from the North Pacific, but also lives in the North Sea. This is due to the constant import of young animals. In Asia, people mostly enjoy the oyster cooked. The Europeans enjoy them almost exclusively raw.