Palio
Palio is a genus of marine bivalve mollusks, commonly known as “Palio clams,” belonging to the family Tellinidae. These clams are small, fragile, and often brightly colored, with a distinctive, elongate, and slightly curved shell. They are found in various coastal environments around the world, primarily in sandy and muddy bottoms.
Common Names
Palio clams are commonly known as:
- Palio
- Tellin clams
- Sand clams
Characteristics
Palio clams exhibit several distinctive features that help identify them:
- Shell shape: Elongate, slightly curved, and often thin and fragile.
- Shell size: Generally small, typically ranging from 1 to 3 centimeters in length.
- Shell color: Variable, ranging from white and cream to shades of pink, orange, and purple. Often exhibits intricate patterns and markings.
- Habitat: Found in sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters.
- Diet: Filter feeders, consuming microscopic plankton and organic matter.
- Reproduction: Release eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilization.
Environments
Palio clams are found in a variety of marine environments, but they prefer sandy and muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters. They are often found in intertidal zones, estuaries, and coastal lagoons, where they bury themselves in the sediment to avoid predators and harsh conditions.
References
For further information on Palio clams, consult the following reliable sources: