Bivalves
The shell-ebration of two halves!
Animals with two hinged shells that open and close to find food or hide.
What makes them this type?
- Soft, no backbone
- Two identical shells connected by a hinge
- Filter feeders using mussels or plankton
- Buried in sand or mud
Examples
Atlantic Sea Scallop Large, edible scallops with beautiful fans
Eastern Oyster Commonly farmed for food and habitat
Quahog Clam Long-lived, ancient mollusks
Motion Notes (for Animation & Drawing)
- Slow movements with siphons waving
- Opening and closing shells slowly
- Burrowing into sediment
Learn More
No head or brain
Gills for breathing water
Fun Facts
- Some bivalves live over 500 years!
- They're ecosystem engineers, cleaning water
- Oysters can produce pearls naturally