Habitat: Mussels live in the sand and gravel bottoms of streams and rivers. They require good water quality, stable stream channels and flowing water. Diet: Mussels filter their food out of the water. They eat algae, bacteria, and other small, organic particles filtered from the water column.

Where do mussels live in the ocean?

Distribution and habitat

Certain species of marine mussels prefer salt marshes or quiet bays, while others thrive in pounding surf, completely covering wave-washed rocks. Some species have colonized abyssal depths near hydrothermal vents.

Do mussels live underwater?

One obvious difference between freshwater and marine mussels is that freshwater mussels live in freshwater streams, rivers, ponds and lakes while marine mussels live in salt water oceans and bays. ... Marine mussels reproduce by releasing their eggs and sperm into the water.