Dosinia exoleta
Distribution and status
Common
Occurs from Norway to the Iberian Peninsula and into the Mediterranean
Ecology and behaviour
Burrows deeply in shelly or muddy gravel. Feeds by filtering phytoplankton.
Similar species
- Dosinia lupinus is smaller, smoother and less rounded
Key identification features
- Pallial sinus forming a triangular indentation
- Almost completely round outline to shell
- Sculpture of concentric ridges giving the shell a coarse appearance
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000175011]
Sort order
11050
Taxonomic group
Marine bivalve
Solid almost round shell up to about 5cm across. Dirty white to light brown in colour usually with brown, red or pink rays, streaks or blotches. Sculpture of flat concentric ridges giving the shell a dull coarse appearance. Growth lines tend to be prominent. Three cardinal teeth in each valve and single lateral tooth in left valve. Mantle tubes united throughout.