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Pinna bicolor Gmelin, 1791
| Family Name: | Pinnidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Mollusc) |
| Common Name: | Two-coloured Fan Shell |
Name
Description
| Size | 25 cm |
|---|---|
| Description | The rounded tips of the shells can sometimes be seen protruding from the surface of the mud, or mud with coarse gravel. The two valves of the shell are pale near the hinge, dark towards the broader end, but are usually muddy. |
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | When present they are usually found in low intertidal or subtidal estuarine habitats half buried in the sand or gravel, with their narrow pointed base firmly anchored by byssus threads. Broad end above sand surface usually slightly opened to expose colourful mantle. They are found in shallow intertidal waters, especially at muddy estuaries and on banks just below the low tide; and the two valves are slightly opened to allow a water current to bring in particles of food. |
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| Habitats | Mudflats, Marine |
| Distribution | East Africa to Polynesia, throughout the muddy coasts of the Indian Ocean and the West and Central Pacific Ocean |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Habitat degradation, and collection. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | Used as food. |
| Conservation Notes | Not commonly seen now. Sites of occurence need to be identified, some need to be designated as nature areas or marine protected areas, and legislation protect marine life from over-collecting needs to be instituted. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
|---|---|
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Vulnerable (VU) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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