Culture of brown mussel Perna indica at Vizhinjam

Abstract

Two species of sea mussels occur along the Indian coasts. The green mussel Perna viridis has a wide distribution on both the east and west coasts of India. On the other hand, the brown mussel Perna indica has a very restricted distribution along the southwest coast from Cape Comorin to Quilon. A traditional sustenance fishery exists for the brown mussel in Cape Comorin, Muttom, Enayam and Vizhinjam and a few other centres. The mussel meat is considered a delicious food item by the coastal people. At Vizhinjam the annual production of brown mussel from the natural beds varies from 50-150 tonnes.