Chamidae
Chamidae is a family of saltwater clams, commonly known as “jewel boxes” or “pig-toe clams.” These bivalves are characterized by their unique, often brilliantly colored shells and their tendency to cement themselves to hard surfaces. They are found in a variety of marine environments around the world, often in shallow, tropical waters.
Characteristics
Chamidae clams have a distinctive, asymmetrical shell shape. The left valve, which is the one attached to the substrate, is typically larger and more convex than the right valve. The right valve, which is the one that opens and closes, is often flat or slightly concave. The hinge line of the shell is often very short, and the shell may have a variety of colorful patterns and markings. Many species have a distinctive, raised area called the "umbo" located on the left valve.
Chamidae clams are filter feeders and have a siphon that extends out of the shell to draw water in. The water is passed through the clam's gills, where food particles are collected. The clam then expels the waste water out of the siphon. While most bivalves have two siphons, Chamidae clams have only one.
Environments
Chamidae clams are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Coral reefs
- Rocky shores
- Seagrass meadows
They prefer shallow, clear waters with plenty of sunlight. They often attach themselves to rocks, corals, and other hard surfaces.
Common Names
Chamidae clams are commonly known as "jewel boxes" due to their brightly colored shells, which are often iridescent. Another common name is "pig-toe clam," which refers to the shape of the clam's shell, which resembles a pig's foot.