Chlamys
Chlamys is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pectinidae, the scallops. They are commonly known as “scallops” or “flat scallops”. These mollusks are filter feeders, meaning they extract food particles from the water. Chlamys species are found in various marine environments around the world, particularly in coastal regions and shallow waters.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Chlamys are characterized by their distinctive, fan-shaped shells with prominent radial ribs and concentric growth lines. The shells are usually white or cream-colored, often with reddish or brownish markings. Scallops are unique among bivalves because they can swim by rapidly clapping their shells together, creating a jet of water that propels them forward. This is achieved by the use of powerful adductor muscles, which are also responsible for closing the shells.
Chlamys species typically have a pair of sensory organs called "eyes" located along the edge of their mantle, the fleshy tissue that lines the inside of the shell. These eyes are simple, light-sensitive structures that help the scallop detect predators and navigate their environment. They also have a variety of sensory tentacles that detect changes in water currents and other stimuli.
Environments
Chlamys species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters
- Estuaries
- Rocky reefs
- Sandy bottoms
- Seagrass meadows
They are typically found in shallow waters, but some species can live in deeper waters as well. Chlamys species are often found attached to rocks, seaweed, or other hard surfaces, but some species can burrow into the sand or sediment.