Investigating how pea crabs affect supermarket mussels

In this activity, students observe green-lipped mussels to determine the impact of pea crab infestation on their size and weight.

Purpose

This activity will enable students to identify key characteristics of two native New Zealand animals and to understand their parasite-host relationship more clearly. It provides opportunities to consider how green-lipped mussels are farmed in New Zealand and how threats to the industry (such as pea crabs) impact on New Zealand’s economy.

Keywords

Green-lipped mussel, pea crab, dissection, parasite