Dosinia orbignyi is a species of saltwater clam, a type of marine bivalve mollusk. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region and is a common inhabitant of certain marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
Dosinia orbignyi, also known as the “orbignyi dosinia,” is a medium-sized clam with a circular to slightly oval shell. The shell is typically white or cream-colored, sometimes with a faint reddish tinge. It is characterized by its smooth, glossy surface and concentric growth lines. The maximum size of this clam can reach up to 60 mm.
Habitat and Occurrence
Dosinia orbignyi is a common inhabitant of sandy bottoms in the Indo-Pacific region. This clam is often found in depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters. It is particularly prevalent in the neritic zone, the shallow water area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. This zone is characterized by its relatively high levels of sunlight and nutrient availability, making it an ideal habitat for various marine life, including Dosinia orbignyi.
Taxonomy
Dosinia orbignyi belongs to the Veneridae family, which is a large and diverse group of clams known as the venus clams. This family is part of the Venerida order, which includes a wide array of bivalve species. Dosinia orbignyi is further classified within the Bivalvia class, a class of marine and freshwater mollusks that possess a shell composed of two hinged valves.
Feeding
Dosinia orbignyi, like other bivalves, is a filter feeder. It feeds by drawing in water through a siphon and filtering out microscopic food particles, such as phytoplankton and detritus. The water is then expelled through another siphon, leaving the extracted food behind. This feeding strategy allows Dosinia orbignyi to thrive in environments with abundant plankton and organic matter.
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