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Molluscs

Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)

Ireland’s Wildlife: Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)

The freshwater pearl mussel is a bivalve mollusc that lives in clean, fast flowing rivers and streams. It is one of the longest lived invertebrates in the world, and with a lifespan of up to 130 years is Ireland’s longest living animal. Like all bivalve molluscs the freshwater pearl mussel….

Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)

The common octopus is an extraordinary creature. It’s a molluscs – a relative of the slugs and snails you find in your garden, and along with the cuttlefish, squid and nautilus, belongs to a group of marine molluscs known as cephalopods. Literally translated the name means “head-footed”, and the bizarre-looking….

Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)

The common or European cuttlefish is one of the most amazing creatures living in the seas around Ireland. Favouring the warmer conditions found around our south west, south and south east coasts this close relative of the squid and octopus belongs to an advanced group of molluscs known as cephalopods….