Similarities and differences: wild and farmed green-lipped mussels – Venn diagram
Use this interactive to illustrate the key similarities and differences between how wild and farmed green-lipped mussels live. Place each label where you think it belongs. This activity can be done individually, in pairs or as a whole class.
Similarities and differences: wild and farmed green-lipped mussels – Venn diagram
Wild mussels only
Farmed mussels only
Both wild and farmed mussels
Unused items
- Can accumulate toxins
- Larvae settle onto seaweed
- Can contain pea crab parasites
- Live on ropes in the water
- Can live for many years
- Mature females have orange flesh
- Endemic to New Zealand
- May live on rocks and other mussels
- Feed on phytoplankton
- Previously fished by dredging
- Filter feeders
- Release eggs or sperm into the water
- Grow up to 24 cm long
- Seeded onto ropes using ‘mussock’
- Harvested after 18 months’ growth
- Some spat grown in hatcheries
- Harvested when about 10 cm long
- Spat may move from site to site
- Larvae are free-swimming
Although they arise from the same wild populations, there are some key differences between how wild and farmed mussels live during the adult phase of their life cycle. Exploring those similarities and differences can provide students with a framework for developing their knowledge of mussel biology and aquaculture.
Place the labels where you think they belong. You can move the labels from one place to another, if you change your mind. Note: if the label has not changed to blue, check it is fully within the Venn diagram part. When you are ready, click the Check answers button to check your ideas, then click the Reset incorrect button to try again.
Use the Download exercise button for a PDF of the diagram and labels.
See the Similarities and differences: wild and farmed green-lipped mussels activity for additional support in using this interactive.
