Rocellaria stimpsonii, common name the Stimpson chimney clam, is a species of saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Gastrochaenidae. This species can be found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Rocellaria stimpsonii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Bivalvia |
Order: | Gastrochaenida |
Superfamily: | Gastrochaenoidea |
Family: | Gastrochaenidae |
Genus: | Rocellaria |
Species: | R. stimpsonii
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Binomial name | |
Rocellaria stimpsonii |
This small species bores into calcareous surfaces, including the shells of other bivalves. The clam forms a living space which is lined with calcium carbonate and is shaped like a bottle,[2] hence the common name "chimney clam".
Description edit
The shell of this bivalve grows to a size of 18 mm (0.71 in). The valves are white and translucent; they are also thin and delicate with a large gape at the front end, towards the dorsal surface of the animal.
References edit
- ^ Bouchet, P.; Huber, M. (2014). Rocellaria stimpsonii Tryon, 1861. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=505251 on 2014-05-16
- ^ The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum website, shells, Family Gastrochaenidae, Rocellaria stimpsonii (Tryon, 1861), [1] accessed 2014-5-16