Fanshells near Plymouth
Issue
8
Page
7
Species
This article was posted on the following website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/outdoors/nature/2004/giant_shells.html
Atrina fragilis
<em>Atrina fragilis</em> (Pennant, 1777)
Atrina fragilis
Distribution and status
Rare. Distributed from Britain south to the Iberian Peninsula
The map provided here shows the distribution of the species based on Conchological Society data.
Ecology and behaviour
Lives with pointed end buried in bottoms of mud to gravel where it attaches itself with byssus threads. Tend to be quite a gregarios species
Key identification features
- Very distinctive triangular outline
- Two adductor muscle scars
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000040786]
Sort order
9450
Taxonomic group
Marine bivalve
Brittle shell up to 30cm in length. It is light to dark brown in colour both inside and outside but inside is glossy. The surface is sculptured with concentric lines and 8 to 12 radiating ribs. There are no teeth on the hinge.