The fan mussel Pinna nobilis has been an emblematic species of cultural and dietary importance to Mediterranean people since ancient times. But apart from that, the species is known to have a critical biological role in the marine environment. This animal is the largest endemic bivalve species of the Mediterranean Sea, reaching a size of up to 120cm. It has a key ecological role of filtering water and retaining organic matter, thus contributing to water clarity. Pinna nobilis also creates three-dimensional hard structures which could host up to approximately 146 different species. This occurs at depths until 60m, on different substrata, but mostly within Posidonia oceanica meadows, one of the most important ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea. Posidonia oceanica dissipates wave energy and wave-induced flow, limiting the dragging of Pinna nobilis, and it provides a suitable substrate for the bivalve. In addition, Posidonia oceanica is a good biological indicator and plays an important role in the coastal ecosystem, supplying oxygen, providing a shelter and nursery area for many species, consolidating the sea bottom and preventing coastal erosion.
The endemic Pinna nobilis is at risk as never before | Cyprus Mail
The endemic Pinna nobilis is at risk as never before | Cyprus Mail