The Pod Razor Shell – Ensis siliqua is a type of bivalve mollusc known for its elongated, blade-like shell. This species is commonly found in sandy beaches and estuaries, playing a significant role in these coastal environments.
Description & Characteristics
The Ensis siliqua possesses a long, narrow shell that can reach a maximum length of about 15 centimeters. The shell is typically pale brown to yellowish-white in color, often with faint growth lines visible along its surface. It has a slightly curved shape, tapering towards both ends. The shell is also characterized by a prominent, pointed siphon that protrudes from the posterior end. This siphon allows the Ensis siliqua to draw in water and filter out food particles.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Pod Razor Shell – Ensis siliqua is a marine species that thrives in sandy substrates, often found in shallow coastal waters. They typically inhabit the intertidal zone and the upper subtidal zone, which means they can be found both above and below the waterline. This adaptable species can be found in a wide range of marine zones, from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to the warmer waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Their distribution stretches across the eastern Atlantic coast, reaching from Norway and the British Isles south to Senegal. They are particularly abundant in the coastal areas of the United Kingdom, France, and Spain.
Taxonomy
The species Ensis siliqua belongs to the Class: Bivalvia, Order: Adapedonta, and Family: Pharidae. This family encompasses various razor clams that share similar characteristics, including their elongated shells and burrowing habits. The bivalves form a large and diverse class of molluscs, characterized by their two-part shells, while the Adapedonta order represents a group of bivalves that possess a siphonal tube.
Feeding
The Ensis siliqua is a filter feeder, meaning it obtains its nutrition by filtering food particles from the surrounding water. Its diet consists primarily of plankton, microscopic organisms that drift in the water column. The Ensis siliqua draws water into its mantle cavity through its siphon, where specialized gills trap the plankton. The filtered water is then expelled through the other siphon.
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