Can you eat Pinna nobilis?

Pinna nobilis (Linnaeus 1758), commonly known as mussel pen, Noble pen shell or fan mussel, is the largest bivalve in the Mediterranean Sea. In any case, despite being edule, being a mollusc filter, it is extremely risky to eat it as it accumulates absorbing them from the sea large amounts of pollutants and pathogens.

Are pen shells edible?

They are as edible and tasty as clam and oyster and scallop guts. Due to the size of the Pen Shell, the texture of the guts might not be appealing to all at the table. However, if minced and used in stuffings, or to thicken sauces or soups, or suitably poached, Pen Shell organs are exquisite.

Is Pinna nobilis endangered?

Med Due to the drastic population size reduction caused by the still ongoing mass mortality event and the fact that the causing pathogen is still present in the environment, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has included the Mediterranan Fan Mussel (Pinna nobilis) as as Critically Endangered species.

Are pen shells endangered?

Not extinct
Pinnidae/Extinction status

How does a Pinna nobilis host the shrimp?

As with other members of its genus, Pinna nobilis hosts symbiotic shrimp which live inside its shell. It is believed that when it sees a threat, the shrimp warns the host, perhaps by retracting its claws or even by pinching. The clam then closes shut.

How big is the shell of a Pinna nobilis?

Pinna nobilis, common name the noble pen shell or fan mussel, is a large species of Mediterranean clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Pinnidae, the pen shells. It reaches up to 120 cm (4 ft) of shell length. The bivalve shell is usually 30–50 cm (1.0–1.6 ft) long, but can reach 120 cm (4 ft).

How does the Pinna nobilis attach to rocks?

It attaches itself to rocks using a strong byssus composed of many silk-like threads which used to be made into cloth. The animal secretes these fibres from its byssus gland; they consist of keratin and other proteins and may be as long as 6 cm (2.4 in). The inside of the shell is lined with brilliant mother-of-pearl.

Why is the Pinna nobilis threatened with extinction?

In the past, Pinna nobilis has been threatened with extinction, due in part to fishing, incidental killing by trawling and anchoring, and the decline in seagrass fields; pollution kills eggs, larvae, and adult mussels. Such threats, however, have been very localised and have not led to such a widespread and rapid population decline.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Coo-18AdK2c