Dosinia sculpta, commonly known as the “Sculptured Dosinia,” is a species of saltwater clam belonging to the family Veneridae. It is a relatively common and widespread bivalve found in various marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
Dosinia sculpta is a medium-sized clam with a distinctive, somewhat rounded shell. The shell is typically white to cream-colored and often exhibits a series of concentric ridges or “sculptures” on its surface, which give the species its common name. The shell can reach a maximum size of around 5 centimeters. The clam has a smooth, glossy interior, and its valves are typically symmetrical.
Habitat and Occurrence
Dosinia sculpta is primarily found in sandy or muddy bottoms in intertidal and subtidal zones. It is commonly found in the neritic zone, which extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. The species can tolerate a wide range of salinities and temperatures, making it adaptable to various marine environments. Dosinia sculpta is found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with its distribution spanning from the southeastern United States to Brazil in the Atlantic and from Alaska to California in the Pacific.
Taxonomy
Dosinia sculpta belongs to the Class Bivalvia, which encompasses all bivalve mollusks, such as clams, oysters, and mussels. It falls under the Order Venerida, a diverse order of marine bivalves. The family Veneridae, commonly known as the Venus clams, is a large and widespread family of bivalves, including many commercially important species.
Feeding
Like most bivalves, Dosinia sculpta is a filter feeder. It obtains its food by drawing water into its mantle cavity and filtering out small organisms, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton, using its gills. The food particles are then transported to the mouth and ingested.
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