Unlike clean clams and mussels that come to mind when most people think of bilvalves, some imagination and luck are required in order to recognize heavily encrusted bivalves attached to reef structures. Often, these mollusks snap their two shells (valves) together when they are approached. Patience sometimes is rewarded with the parting of the valves, and a peek inside at the mantle.
Bivalves filter feed by pumping water through their gills.
 |
| Valves open, black sponge on top |
 |
| Same bivalve, with valves closed |
 |
| Better view of mantle |
 |
| Different species, valves open, coral growing on top |
No comments:
Post a Comment