Donacidae

Donacidae
Donax variabilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Subclass: Heterodonta
Order: Veneroida
Suborder: Sphaeriacea
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 order Veneroida. 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

  1. Barrett, J. H. and C. M. Yonge, 1958. Collins Pocket Guide to the Sea Shore. P. 160. Collins, London


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