Talochlamys multistriata
Appearance
Talochlamys multistriata | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Bivalvia |
Order: | Pectinida |
Family: | Pectinidae |
Genus: | Talochlamys |
Species: | T. multistriata
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Binomial name | |
Talochlamys multistriata (Poli, 1795)
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Synonyms | |
Chlamys tincta (Reeve, 1853) |
Talochlamys multistriata, the dwarf fan shell, is a species of bivalve scallop. It is a marine mollusc in the family Pectinidae.
Distribution
[edit]This species is found around the southern African coast, from Saldanha Bay to Delagoa Bay, in less than 20 m of water.[1]
Description
[edit]This animal grows up to 35 mm in length. It is a small bivalve with a single ear-like protrusion at the hinge. Its shell is finely ridged longitudinally and variably coloured from yellow to purple.[1]
Ecology
[edit]The dwarf fan shell lives under stones and among algae. If disturbed, it can swim by clapping its valves together.
References
[edit]- ^ a b Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. & Beckley, L.E (2005): Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 0-86486-672-0