Anomia achaeus is a species of saltwater clam, a type of bivalve mollusk. It is a common and widespread species found in a variety of marine environments.
Description and Characteristics
Anomia achaeus, also known as the “Jingle Shell,” has a distinctive appearance. Its shell is typically oval-shaped, with a flattened, irregular, and often asymmetrical outline. The shell’s surface can be smooth or have a variety of ridges and grooves, depending on the individual and its environment. The color of the shell can range from white to gray to brown, with occasional hints of purple or pink. The maximum size of this species is approximately 50 millimeters (2 inches) in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
Anomia achaeus is a benthic species, meaning it lives on or near the bottom of the ocean floor. It is typically found attached to hard surfaces, such as rocks, coral reefs, or even the shells of other organisms. Its preferred habitat includes intertidal zones and shallow subtidal areas, extending down to depths of about 50 meters (164 feet).
Anomia achaeus is a prevalent species in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, extending from Alaska to California, including the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. It is commonly found in the neritic zone, the area of the ocean extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, making it a prominent feature of these coastal marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Anomia achaeus belongs to the Class: Bivalvia, Order: Pectinida, and Family: Anomiidae. This family is characterized by its members’ ability to cement themselves to surfaces using a byssal thread.
Feeding
Anomia achaeus is a filter feeder, meaning it obtains its food by filtering small particles, such as plankton and algae, from the surrounding water. It accomplishes this by drawing water into its body through a siphon, capturing the food particles, and expelling the filtered water. This feeding strategy makes Anomia achaeus an important component of the marine food web.
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