Donacidae

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.

Donacidae, the bean clams or wedge shells, is a family of bivalve molluscs of the order Veneroida. The family is related to the Tellins.

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.

Characteristics

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

  • Capsella
    • Capsella variegata
  • Donax Linnaeus, 1758
  • Iphigenia Schumacher, 1817
    • Iphigenia brasiliana (Lamarck, 1818)

References

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