- Placunidae
Taxobox
name = Placunidae
image_width = 200px
regnum =Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis =Bivalvia
ordo =Ostreoida
subordo =
superfamilia =
familia = Placunidae
Gray 1842
subdivision_ranks = Genera
subdivision = See text.The Placunidae (Windowpane shells) are a family of marinebivalve s, related toOyster s andScallop s.The family is closely related to the
Anomiidae (saddle oysters), one of the main differences being that the Placunidae do not attach themselves to a hard surface - instead they are a mud-living family.Description
Windowpane shells are suspension feeders, ling on shallow, muddy-bottomed waters. The usually lie with the right valve downwards. The
ligament is internal and forms a shallow V-shape.Reproduction
The sexes are separate and the
larva l stage isfree-swimming .Cultural usage
Species in the family Placunidae are extensively collected in the Indo-West Pacific, and are cultivated or farmed in several areas. [http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:jYAmdz9-iwQJ:ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/w7191e/w7191e19.pdf+Placunidae&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=11] They are valued for their translucent shell.
The shells were originally used as a
glass substitute in glazing, but nowadays they are mainly used in the manufacture of trays, lampshades and numerous decorative items.In
coast al areas the flesh is eaten.Taxonomy
* "
Placuna " Lightfoot 1786
** "Placuna ephippium "
** "Placuna lobata "
** "Placuna placenta "Linnaeus 1758
** "Placuna sella " Gmelin 1791
* "Placunomia "Broderip 1842
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