The shell is black to bluish purple, which is often eroded to whitish purple. It has longitudinal ribbing.

More common on southern shores from mid to low intertidal to 3om. Attached to rocks by bysssal threads in moderate to high energy situations. Often found mixed with Blue or Green lipped mussels.

Filter feeder.

Daily limit of 25 per person.

NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1