Plicatula
Plicatula is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Plicatulidae. They are commonly known as “folded oysters” due to their distinctive shell shape.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Plicatula have small, irregularly shaped shells with a distinctive folded or pleated appearance. The shells are usually thin and fragile, and they are often covered in a layer of periostracum, which is a thin, organic coating. The hinge of the shell is usually straight and lacks teeth. The animals themselves are small and generally lack a distinct foot. The shells are usually white, yellowish, or brown in color, and they are often covered in a layer of barnacles or other marine organisms.
Environment
Plicatula clams are found in a variety of marine environments, including shallow coastal waters, rocky shores, and coral reefs. They are generally attached to hard substrates, such as rocks, shells, or seaweed. They are often found in areas with strong currents, as they are able to filter feed effectively in these conditions.
Distribution
Plicatula clams are found in all the world's oceans, with a distribution that extends from the tropics to the polar regions. They are particularly common in the Indo-Pacific region.