Rocellaria stimpsonii
Rocellaria stimpsonii, common name the Stimpson chimney clam, is a species of saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Gastrochaenidae. This species is known to occur in the Gulf of Mexico.
| Rocellaria stimpsonii | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Subclass: | Heterodonta |
| Order: | Gastrochaenida |
| Superfamily: | Gastrochaenoidea |
| Family: | Gastrochaenidae |
| Genus: | Rocellaria |
| Species: | R. stimpsonii |
| Binomial name | |
| Rocellaria stimpsonii | |
This small species bores into calcareous surfaces, including the shells of other bivalves. The clam forms a living space which is lined with calcium carbonate and is shaped like a bottle,[2] hence the common name "chimney clam".
Description
The shell of this bivalve grows to a size of 18 mm. The valves are white and translucent; they are also thin and delicate with a large gape at the front end, towards the dorsal surface of the animal.
References
- Bouchet, P.; Huber, M. (2014). Rocellaria stimpsonii Tryon, 1861. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=505251 on 2014-05-16
- The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum website, shells, Family Gastrochaenidae, Rocellaria stimpsonii (Tryon, 1861), accessed 2014-5-16
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