The blue mussel does not have eyes but may have light sensors as well as methods of sensing chemicals and touch. Many predators eat blue mussels: starfish, crabs, fish, seabirds and even humans.

 The blue mussel's only protection is its shell, and a position on the shore which puts it out of reach of some marine predators.

It can use its foot to pull itself along.   After relocating it re-attaches to the rock using a neat mechanism.  The base of the foot moves over a gland which squeezes a liquid down a groove in the foot.  The groove then opens leaving a thread with the end attached to the rock. The thread quickly hardens to form a strong fiber.   The process is repeated many times to firmly attach the mussel.

Surf Scoter                         

Purple sea stars (note mussel dinner in background.)            

Photo by Bill Austin, Marine Ecology Centre