The Thin Tellin – Macomangulus tenuis is a small bivalve mollusk found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is a common species with a distinctive thin, elongated shell and a somewhat compressed shape.
Description & Characteristics
The Macomangulus tenuis is a relatively small bivalve, with a maximum size of approximately 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) in length. Its shell is thin, fragile, and oval-shaped, with a slightly pointed anterior end and a rounded posterior end. The shell color is typically a pale white or cream, sometimes with a faint yellow or brown tinge. The surface of the shell is smooth, with fine concentric growth lines.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Macomangulus tenuis is a common inhabitant of sandy and muddy bottoms in the intertidal and subtidal zones. It is typically found at depths ranging from the low tide mark to about 20 meters (65 feet). This species is particularly prevalent in the neritic zone, which is the coastal area extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Macomangulus tenuis belongs to the Class: Bivalvia, which is a large and diverse group of mollusks characterized by their two-part shells. It is further classified within the Order: Cardiida, a group of bivalves that typically have heart-shaped shells. Finally, it is placed within the Family: Tellinidae, a family known for their thin, elongate shells and their often-buried lifestyle.
Feeding
The Macomangulus tenuis is a filter feeder, meaning it obtains its food by filtering water through its gills and extracting organic particles. These particles include detritus, which is composed of dead plant and animal matter, as well as smaller organisms. It is also considered a sediment feeder, as it ingests sediment along with the organic matter it finds within it.
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