Hi Deep Look and KQED Science Fans,

Most people only think of mussels when it’s time for lunch. But these creatures live surprisingly fascinating lives along our turbulent coastlines. To keep from being swept away by crashing waves, mussels create byssal threads – what chefs call the mussel’s “beard.” Mussels secrete a special waterproof glue to attach these threads to rocks and to each other. Scientists are studying this adhesivefor clues that could lead to sealing up wounds after delicate surgeries. Take a dive into the underwater world of mussels in this week’s video and newsletter to see exactly how that mighty beard – and its powerful glue – are made.

How Does the Mussel Grow its Beard?

That’s not a tongue … it’s a foot! Turns out, mussels have a thread-making factory in their foot. At the end of each thread, they apply a special waterproof adhesive that would make superglue jealous.

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Mussel Wonders

🦶A mussel has a long groove inside its foot that works like a mold. The mussel secretes special proteins into that mold that solidify in minutes.

🧔The mussel repeats this process until it creates 50-100 byssal threads (aka a beard) to attach itself to rocks and to other mussels. That makes it harder for hungry predators and crashing waves to pry them loose.

💪The threads are made of similar stuff as the tendons in our bodies that connect muscles to bone. They’re super strong, but also pliable.

🕰️Besides using their foot to create their beard, they also use it to drag themselves around. If they find a good spot, they can stay glued there for more than 20 years.

Name That Critter!

When you live by the seashore, one day you’re in, the next day you’re lunch. So this underwater animal puts on the latest in seaweed outerwear and anemone accessories to blend in. Which creature is it? Find the answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

Terrific Tidepools

Enjoy this special playlist of small marine animals that live in tidepools. How they survive in their watery worlds will surprise you!

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KQED’s Deep Look and Science teams!

Decorator crab! Find out more in our video: Decorator Crabs Make High Fashion at Low Tide.