Donacidae | |
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Donax variabilis | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Bivalvia |
Subclass: | Heterodonta |
Order: | Veneroida |
Suborder: | Sphaeriacea |
Superfamily: | Tellinoidea |
Family: | Donacidae Fleming, 1828 |
Genera | |
See text. |
Donacidae, the bean clams or wedge shells, is a family of bivalve molluscs of the order Veneroida. The family is related to the Tellins.
The Donacidae are prolific filter feeders, and are an important part of coastal food chains where they occur. The family is sensitive to coastal industry such as dam-building and dredging.
Members of this family have asymmetric, elongated compressed shells. The two siphons are short but are completely divided and the foot is large. They are vigorous burrowers.[1]