A new species of mussel or tahong found recently by fishery experts in Calmay River can potentially boost the shellfish farming industry in the country. Westly Rosario, director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Integrated Fisheries and Development Center (BFAR-NIFTDC), said a type of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) has been discovered spawning in the deeper sections of Calmay River where water salinity is very high. Blue mussels have blue-black to brown outer shells and shiny violet interiors. This species is commonly grown in European countries but was never previously known to grow in Southeast Asia.

Riñoza, J. (2015, July 23). New mussel species seen to help revolutionize PH shellfish industry. Manila Bulletin, p. B-8.