Dosinia troscheli is a species of saltwater clam, a type of bivalve mollusk. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region and is a common inhabitant of various marine habitats.
Description and Characteristics
Dosinia troscheli is a relatively small clam, typically reaching a maximum size of around 40 millimeters. Its shell is generally round to oval in shape, with a slightly inflated profile. The exterior surface of the shell is smooth, often displaying fine concentric growth lines. The color of the shell can vary, ranging from white to pale yellow or even light brown.
Habitat and Occurrence
Dosinia troscheli is found in a variety of marine habitats, including sandy bottoms and seagrass meadows. This species is commonly found in the intertidal zone and in shallow subtidal waters, typically inhabiting depths ranging from the shoreline to around 50 meters. Its distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Dosinia troscheli belongs to the Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, and Family: Veneridae. This family, known as the Venus clams, includes a wide variety of bivalves that share common characteristics such as a generally rounded or oval shell shape and a hinge with prominent teeth. Dosinia troscheli is part of a larger group of bivalves that are characterized by their burrowing habits, feeding on sediment and organic matter.
Feeding
Dosinia troscheli is a filter feeder, meaning it obtains its food by filtering water through its gills. The clam draws water into its mantle cavity, where microscopic particles of food, such as phytoplankton and detritus, are trapped and collected. This feeding strategy makes Dosinia troscheli an important part of the marine ecosystem, contributing to nutrient cycling and water purification.
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