Shining Mussel

Shining mussels were discovered soon after the settlement of Landrithel. They were enormous gold and silver iridescent bivalves, that inhabited most lakes, rivers, and oceans. Being as adaptable as they were, almost any body of water could house a shining mussel. At first, they were revered as bringers of good fortune and luck, as seeing one was quite rare and they were mostly harmless. Soon, they were discovered to contain A to S rank monster cores within their golden shells. This led to mass hunting for the accumulation of wealth and power. Sadly, the shining mussel was hunted to extinction and there are no known living specimens.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Shining mussels are a bivalve consisting of two very powerful hardened shells that protect its inner organs. They measure 5' tall by 12' long by 8' wide and have a wedge-shaped body. They get their name from the silver and gold iridescent effect that its shell possesses. Unlike normal mussels, the have six tendrils of muscle that act as their feet, this gives them limited mobility, but they are still mostly sessile.

Genetics and Reproduction

There is no known information about the reproduction of shining mussels considering they were hunted to extinction almost as soon as they were discovered.

Ecology and Habitats

Shining mussels can live in most any aquatic climate as long as there is a dense enough population that it can use as a food source. If needed a shining mussel can adapt its current water to meet the needs that it finds most comfortable, adjusting temperature, salinity, and other aspects to its own needs.  A shining mussel is usually hesitant to implement these changes as it does not want to damage its food source. If a shining mussel has been shown that there is a steady supply of food that it does not need to worry (i.e., captivity, a waterfall, or a tributary) it will start these changes without hesitation.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Shining mussels are carnivorous, consuming other aquatic life for their sustenance. They can go a long amount of time without eating if food is scarce. They will change locations to better fit their needs if they cannot find a suitable food source within a certain amount of time. They hunt by remaining completely still and changing to perfectly match the water surrounding them. They then extend their byssus network to gently ensnare all manner of aquatic life and pull their prey into their shell.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Shining mussels are special in that they seem to have a byssus network that is prehensile, giving it the ability to capture and eat fish and other marine life. They also use their byssus network to read important information about the surrounding water such as temperature, current, cleanliness, depth, and even the amount of light. It uses this information to set itself into a position to hunt easily.

EXTINCT

Origin/Ancestry

Mussel