Mussel is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. Not kosher. Mussels are bivalve molluscs — shellfish.

What is the scientific name of Mussel?

The scientific name of Mussel is Mytilidae.

Does Mussel have fins and scales?

Mussel does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Mussel sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Mussel is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Mussel is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Mussel

Mytilidae

Not Kosher

Description

Mussels are smoked, boiled, steamed, roasted, barbecued, or fried in butter or oil, and used in soups, salads, and sauces. Belgium and France serve them as moules-frites, and the Netherlands fries them in batter.

Marine mussels are abundant in the low and middle intertidal zone of temperate seas worldwide, with some in tropical waters. Freshwater mussels live in lakes, rivers, canals, and streams everywhere except the polar regions.

Also known as

Blue mussel
Green-lipped mussel
Zebra mussel

Mussel in foreign languages

Scientific	Mytilidae
Arabic	بلحيات البحر البحرية
French	moule
German	Miesmuscheln
Russian	Митилиды
Chinese	殼菜蛤科
Japanese	イガイ科
Korean	홍합과
Vietnamese	Họ Vẹm

Warnings & Kosher Issues

A bivalve mollusk with no fins or scales, so it is not kosher.
Avoid them along the US West Coast in warmer months because of paralytic shellfish poisoning from red-tide blooms. Throw out any that stay open and unresponsive.