''Talochlamys multistriata'', the dwarf fan shell, is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
bivalve
Bivalvia (), in previous centuries referred to as the Lamellibranchiata and Pelecypoda, is a class of marine and freshwater molluscs that have laterally compressed bodies enclosed by a shell consisting of two hinged parts. As a group, bival ...
scallop. It is a
marine
Marine is an adjective meaning of or pertaining to the sea or ocean.
Marine or marines may refer to:
Ocean
* Maritime (disambiguation)
* Marine art
* Marine biology
* Marine debris
* Marine habitats
* Marine life
* Marine pollution
Military
* ...
mollusc
Mollusca is the second-largest phylum of invertebrate animals after the Arthropoda, the members of which are known as molluscs or mollusks (). Around 85,000 extant species of molluscs are recognized. The number of fossil species is esti ...
in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...
Pectinidae.
Distribution
This species is found around the
southern African
Southern Africa is the southernmost subregion of the African continent, south of the Congo and Tanzania. The physical location is the large part of Africa to the south of the extensive Congo River basin. Southern Africa is home to a number of ...
coast, from
Saldanha Bay to
Delagoa Bay, in less than 20 m of water.
[Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. & Beckley, L.E (2005): ''Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa'' ]
Description
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.
Ecology
The dwarf fan shell lives under stones and among algae. If disturbed, it can swim by clapping its valves together.
References
External links
* http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=236714
Pectinidae
Bivalves described in 1795
Taxa named by Giuseppe Saverio Poli
{{Pectinidae-stub