Lucinida
Lucinida is a superfamily of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the order Lucinida. This superfamily includes the families Lucinidae, Thyasiridae, and the extinct family Pseudomyidae.
Common Names
Lucinida species are commonly known as "lucins", "false cockles", "pearly lucins", or "jewel boxes".
Characteristics
Lucinida species are small to medium-sized clams, typically ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length. They have a generally rounded or oval shell shape, often with a smooth or slightly sculptured surface. Some species have a distinctive, pearly inner shell layer. Unlike most other bivalves, Lucinida species possess symbiotic bacteria within their gills that help them obtain nutrients from the environment.
Other key characteristics of Lucinida species include:
- A relatively small, weak foot
- A pair of siphons that are short and often fused together
- A hinge with teeth that are typically small and inconspicuous
Environment
Lucinida species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Shallow subtidal areas
- Deep-sea habitats
They are often found in sandy or muddy bottoms, and some species are known to burrow into the sediment.
References
For more detailed information on Lucinida, please refer to the following resources: