Gari

Gari is a genus of bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Psammobiidae. These burrowing clams are commonly known as “sand gaper” or “sand-burrowing clam” and are widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Their shells are typically elongated and oval-shaped, with a smooth, polished surface. The siphons, which are used for feeding and respiration, are relatively long and prominent, extending beyond the shell. They are important members of the marine ecosystem, providing food for various predators and playing a role in sediment turnover.

Common Names

The common names for species in the Gari genus include:

  • Sand gaper
  • Sand-burrowing clam
  • Gaper

Characteristics

Gari clams are characterized by:

  • An elongated, oval-shaped shell
  • A smooth, polished shell surface
  • Prominent, long siphons that extend beyond the shell
  • A foot that is used for burrowing in sand
  • Filter feeders, using their gills to capture plankton and other food particles from the water

Environment

Gari clams inhabit a variety of marine environments, typically in sandy substrates:

  • Intertidal zones
  • Subtidal zones
  • Estuaries
  • Beaches

They burrow into the sand, using their strong foot to create a vertical burrow that can reach depths of several inches. This burrowing behavior provides them with protection from predators and allows them to access food sources.

References

World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
PubMed
ScienceDirect