Lima
Lima is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Limidae, commonly known as file clams or file shells. These delicate bivalves are distinguished by their fan-shaped, often brightly colored shells, which are frequently adorned with radial ribs and fine, comb-like scales.
Common Names
File clams, file shells, fan shells, and jingle shells are all common names for species within the Lima genus.
Characteristics
Lima species typically exhibit the following characteristics:
- Shell: Thin, fragile, and fan-shaped, usually with radial ribs and fine, comb-like scales.
- Color: Often brightly colored with hues of white, pink, orange, yellow, and brown.
- Size: Ranging from a few centimeters to several inches in length.
- Habitat: Prefer rocky substrates, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.
- Feeding: Filter feeders, using their gills to collect microscopic food particles from the water.
- Locomotion: They have a unique ability to move by "walking" on their foot and can even swim short distances by flapping their mantle lobes.
- Defense: They possess bioluminescent capabilities and can release a sticky substance to deter predators.
Environments
Lima clams are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Shallow waters: Intertidal zones, rocky shores, and coral reefs.
- Subtidal depths: Seagrass beds, soft sediments, and rocky outcrops.
- Tropical and subtropical regions: Indo-Pacific, Caribbean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.
References
World Register of Marine Species
File clams and their role in the marine ecosystem
Bioluminescence and Defense in File Clams