11 photos - 8 species
Introduction
Mussels are a class of molluscs.
They are characterised by a largely reduced head
and a shell consisting of two calcareous shells.
They live worldwide in fresh and salt water and are usually found
between 0 and 100 metres water depth.
Mussels live in the seabed, are attached to it or lie freely on it.
Dendostrea frons
Frond oyster
Maximum 6 cm
Depth 6 - 40 m
Zigzag shell edge.
It is found attached to gorgonians, dead corals and other substrate.
It is well camouflaged as it is overgrown with various organisms.
Photo 1 Johnny: Bonaire Caribbean
Lopha cristagalli
Cock's comb oyster or Zigzag clam
Maximum length: 10 cm
Filters plankton.
The lower shell is glued on.
Both bowls have large zigzag folds.
Inside they have a porcelain lustre.
Photo 1 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Pinna carnea
Amber penshell
Length 25 cm
Depth 2 to 15 m
Thin amber to grey-coloured, somewhat translucent, fan-shaped shell halves.
They are found buried in mud and sand, as well as in crevices in the reef.
The shells close when disturbed.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: Bonaire Caribbean
Pteria aegyptiaca
Red sea winged oyster
Maximum 10 cm
Wing-like clam.
Attaches itself with filaments to stony and fire corals and gorgonians.
Filters plankton.
Photo 1 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Pteria colymbus
Atlantic wing oyster
Maximum 8 cm
Depth 3 - 30 m
Castle edge with long, wing-like structure.
Hanging well camouflaged on gorgonian branches, often covered with various organisms.
Photo 1 Johnny: Bonaire Caribbean
Spondylus americanus
Atlantic thorny oyster
Maximum 10 cm
Depth 15 - 40 m
With numerous five cm long spines distributed over the surface.
Their colour varies from white, yellow, red and orange to purple.
Brown, gold and white patterned mantle.
Well camouflaged as they are covered with various organisms.
Shy, close their shells immediately when approached.
Photo 1 Johnny: Bonaire Caribbean
Spondylus spinosus
Spiny oyster
Maximum 10 cm
Thick, almost round bowls.
Upper shell is movable, serves as a lid.
The lower shell is firmly attached to the substrate and contains the animal.
Photo 1 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Spondylus varius
Giant variable thorny oyster
Maximum length: 25 cm
They have a white coat with various coloured markings and short spines.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Photo 3 Johnny: Lembeh Strait North - Sulawesi