Atrina

Common Names

Members of the genus Atrina are known by various common names, including:

• Pen shell
• Fan shell
• Feather shell

Characteristics

Atrina species share several distinctive characteristics:

• Shell: The shell is typically elongated and wedge-shaped, with a narrow, pointed end and a wider, rounded end. The shell is often thin and fragile, with numerous radial ribs and concentric growth lines. The color can vary depending on the species and environment, but often includes shades of brown, tan, or white.
• Byssus: Atrina species possess a strong byssus, a bundle of silky threads that they use to attach themselves to rocks, coral, or other hard surfaces. The byssus is essential for anchoring the shell and preventing it from being swept away by currents.
• Feeding: Atrina are filter feeders, using their gills to extract microscopic food particles from the water. The water is drawn into the mantle cavity through an incurrent siphon and expelled through an excurrent siphon.

Environments

Atrina species are found in various marine environments:

• Coastal waters: They are often found in shallow, coastal waters, where they attach themselves to rocks, coral, or other hard surfaces.
• Sandy or muddy bottoms: Many species prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, where they can burrow partially into the sediment.
• Temperate and tropical waters: Atrina species have a wide distribution, inhabiting temperate and tropical waters around the world.

References

To learn more about Atrina, you can consult the following reliable references:

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• PubMed
• Wikipedia