A mussel in sand with its foot hanging out of its shell. It's foot resembles a small strip of bacon. Mussels use their single foot to explore their surroundings and to create byssal threads, which they use to anchor themselves to surfaces. (Josh Cassidy/KQED)

DEEP LOOK: How Does the Mussel Grow its Beard?

Mussels create byssal threads, known as the mussel's “beard,” to attach themselves to rocks and to each other. They use their sensitive foot to mold the threads from scratch and apply a waterproof adhesive that makes even superglue jealous. New four-minute DEEP LOOK video.

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Mussels clustered on rocks on the seashore. Mussels are often found in some of the harshest parts of the coastline, where they are constantly exposed to pounding waves and scorching sun. The mussels hold onto the rock with their byssal threads and filter food churned up by the waves out of the water. (Josh Cassidy/KQED)

DEEP LOOK Video Section: Mussels Secrete a Waterproof Glue

To cling to rocks, mussels make threads and secrete a special waterproof glue. Their threads are made of similar stuff as the tendons in our bodies that connect our muscles to bone. Researchers are studying the waterproof mussel glue to make our own adhesives for medical uses, like mending broken bones and closing wounds during delicate surgeries. Below is a link to the part in our video where you can see an up-close view of mussel glue.

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A single barnacle against a black background with its penis extended. Acorn barnacles surround themselves with a ring of armored plates. The central plates open and close so that the barnacles can retreat back into their shell during low tide or when they are threatened. (Josh Cassidy/KQED) Josh Cassidy/KQED

DEEP LOOK Video: Barnacles Go To Unbelievable Lengths to Hook Up

Acorn barnacles might look like jagged little rocks at low tide, but they have a surprisingly wild sex life. These crusty little animals — related to crabs and shrimp — have the longest penis of any animal relative to their body size. It’s up to eight times the length of the barnacle itself! We thought you might also enjoy this four-minute video from our archives. Similar to mussels, barnacles live in intertidal zones and have surprising survival tactics.

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We hope you enjoyed this closer look at DEEP LOOK's newest episode and a related video from our archives. 🐚

DEEP LOOK is KQED’s wildlife video series exploring nature up close. The series recently launched its 10th season with over 2 million YouTube subscribers. Subscribe on YouTube and never miss an episode! You can also view our full video collection at kqed.org/deeplook

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FUNDING FOR KQED SCIENCE IS PROVIDED BY: Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the members of KQED.

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