Thursday, August 20, 2026
Science

'Ecology of fear' can dramatically change the behavior of blue mussels

For a blue mussel, a good meal does not come entirely without risk. Blue mussels feed by filtering microscopic algae from seawater. But some unwelcome guests can slip in along with their food. Tiny parasite larvae can hitch a ride as the mussel pumps water in and out.

'Ecology of fear' can dramatically change the behavior of blue mussels
Image: Phys.org
For a blue mussel, a good meal does not come entirely without risk. Blue mussels feed by filtering microscopic algae from seawater. But some unwelcome guests can slip in along with their food. Tiny parasite larvae can hitch a ride as the mussel pumps water in and out.

Originally published at Phys.org

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