BIOTIC Species Information for Ensis spp.
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Click here to view the MarLIN Key Information Review for Ensis spp.
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| Researched by | Lizzie Tyler |
Data supplied by | University of Sheffield |
| Refereed by | This information is not refereed. |
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| Taxonomy |
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| Scientific name | Ensis spp. |
Common name | Razor shell |
| MCS Code | |
Recent Synonyms | |
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| Phylum | Mollusca |
Subphylum | |
| Superclass | |
Class | Bivalvia |
| Subclass | |
Order | Veneroida |
| Suborder | |
Family | Pharidae |
| Genus | Ensis |
Species | |
| Subspecies | |
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| Additional Information | |
| Taxonomy References |
Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Howlett, 1990, JNCC, 1999, |
| General Biology |
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| Growth form | |
Feeding method | |
| Mobility/Movement | |
Environmental position | Infaunal
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| Typical food types | |
Habit | |
| Bioturbator | |
Flexibility | |
| Fragility | |
Size | Medium(11-20 cm) |
| Height | |
Growth Rate | |
| Adult dispersal potential | |
Dependency | |
| Sociability | |
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| Toxic/Poisonous? | No |
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| General Biology Additional Information | |
| Biology References |
Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Henderson & Richardson, 1994, Robinson & Richardson, 1998, Armonies & Reise, 1999, Hayward & Ryland, 1990, |
| Distribution and Habitat |
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| Distribution in Britain & Ireland | All Great British coast |
| Global distribution | |
| Biogeographic range | |
Depth range | |
| Migratory | |
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| Distribution Additional Information | |
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| Substratum preferences | |
Physiographic preferences | |
| Biological zone | |
Wave exposure | |
| Tidal stream strength/Water flow | |
Salinity | |
| Habitat Preferences Additional Information | |
| Distribution References |
Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Holme, 1954, Henderson & Richardson, 1994, Armonies & Reise, 1999, Hayward & Ryland, 1990, |
| Reproduction/Life History |
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| Reproductive type | |
Developmental mechanism | Planktotrophic
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| Reproductive Season | |
Reproductive Location | |
| Reproductive frequency | |
Regeneration potential |
No |
| Life span | 11-20 years |
Age at reproductive maturity | 3-5 years |
| Generation time | |
Fecundity | >1 million |
| Egg/propagule size | 70 mm diameter |
Fertilization type | External |
| Larvae/Juveniles |
| Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential | |
Larval settlement period | |
| Duration of larval stage | 30 days |
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| Reproduction Preferences Additional Information | Ensis is a highly diverse genus in terms of life-history traits. Ensis macha is thought to produce 14.7 - 19.6 million eggs over it's lifetime. Ensis ensis reaches sexual maturity at 3-4 years, while Ensis siliqua takes only 1 year. |
| Reproduction References |
Hayward et al., 1996, Fish & Fish, 1996, Henderson & Richardson, 1994, Armonies & Reise, 1999, Avellanal et al., 2002, Gaspar & Monteiro, 1998, Fahy & Gaffney, 2001, Newell & Newell, 1977, Palmer, 2004, |
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