Donacidae
Appearance
Donacidae | |
---|---|
Donax variabilis | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Bivalvia |
Order: | Cardiida |
Superfamily: | Tellinoidea |
Family: | Donacidae Fleming, 1828 |
Genera | |
See text. |
The Donacidae, the "bean clams" or "wedge shells", are a family of bivalve molluscs of the superfamily Tellinoidea. The family is related to the Tellina.
The Donacidae are prolific filter feeders and are an important part of coastal food chains where they occur. The family is sensitive to coastal industry such as dam-building and dredging.
Description
Members of this family have asymmetric, elongated, compressed shells. The two siphons are short but are completely divided, and the foot is large. They are vigorous burrowers.[1]
Genera
References
- ^ Barrett, J. H. and C. M. Yonge, 1958. Collins Pocket Guide to the Sea Shore. P. 160. Collins, London