Tellina
Tellina is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Tellinidae. They are commonly known as tellins or tellin shells. These clams are generally small to medium-sized, with a distinctive, somewhat elongated, and somewhat compressed shell. The shell is typically thin and fragile, often with a smooth or slightly ribbed surface. The hinge line is straight, and the teeth are often small and numerous. Tellins are found in a variety of marine environments, including sandy beaches, mudflats, and seagrass beds. They are generally found in shallow waters, but some species can live at depths of up to 1000 meters.
Common Names
Tellins are known by a variety of common names, including:
- Tellin shells
- Sand clams
- Razor clams (although razor clams belong to a different family, Solenidae)
- Sunray clams (referring to some species with a distinctive radial pattern on their shells)
Characteristics
Tellins are characterized by a number of features, including:
- Shell shape: Elongated, somewhat compressed, and often somewhat oval.
- Shell texture: Smooth or slightly ribbed.
- Hinge line: Straight.
- Teeth: Small and numerous.
- Siphons: Two siphons, one for inhaling water and the other for exhaling water.
- Foot: Muscular foot used for burrowing in sand or mud.
Environment
Tellins are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Sandy beaches: Tellins are often found buried in the sand of beaches, where they filter food from the water.
- Mudflats: Tellins are also found in mudflats, where they burrow into the soft sediment.
- Seagrass beds: Some species of tellins live among seagrass beds, where they feed on algae and other organic matter.
References
For further information on Tellina, please refer to these reliable sources: