The Common Mussel (Mytilus edulis). It’s all about byssal threads. Once produced I stick my foot out, reach for something solid, like a good rock surface, then press and release. . and press another and release. . keeping this up, places strong chords that harden and keep me firmly attatched.Now settled I can stay put, closing bi-valve shell as protection, such as when tide goes out, or opening a little to filter feed the surrounding seawater. With the energy gained from feeding, some of it goes into growth. I produce a larger shell by adding “painting” a thin layer to the surrounding edges, which promptly drys, each time making the shell slightly wider and deeper. I invented the 3D printing technique.
I’ll be your favourite. I’m the best of the rest