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Information on the biology of species and the ecology of habitats found around the coasts and seas of the British Isles

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Species Gallery (termsandconditions)

The links below will open a large version of the image in an overlay

Abra alba.

Copyright: Peter Barfield

A group of Abra alba.

Copyright: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd

Abra nitida.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Abra nitida.

Copyright: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd

The bivalve Abra prismatica.

Copyright: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd

The spiny cockle Acanthocardia aculeata on mixed sediment.

Copyright: Jim Anderson

Museum specimens of the spiny cockle.

Copyright: Dennis R. Seaward

Aequipecten opercularis on mixed substrata.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Aequipecten opercularis showing mantle and eyes.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

A resting queen scallop.

Copyright: Gordon Lang

A resting queen scallop.

Copyright: Gordon Lang

Intertidal saddle oyster

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Interior of saddle oyster shell halves

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

The saddle oyster Anomia ephippium, showing the mantle edge of the left valve.

Copyright: Paula Lightfoot

The saddle oyster Anomia ephippium, showing the mantle edge of the left valve.

Copyright: Paula Lightfoot

Upper shell of saddle oyster found at low tide.

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Arctica islandica on a black background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Astarte montagui.

Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Astarte sulcata.

Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Astarte sulcata on a green background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Adult Atrina fragilis embedded in sea bed.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Atrina fragilis in muddy gravel, Ireland.

Copyright: Erling Svensen

Atrina fragilis in soft mud in Plymouth Sound.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Atrina fragilis on the seabed.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Atrina fragilis removed from soft mud in Plymouth Sound.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Side view of Atrina fragilis in the seabed.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Side view of Atrina fragilis on log showing scale.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Barnea candida in situ.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Barnea candida valve.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Apical view of Barnea candida protoplax.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Barnea candida valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Callista chione valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Callista chione valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Side profile of Callista chione.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The common cockle Cerastoderma edule on mud surface.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Cerastoderma edule on a black background.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Shell of Cerastoderma edule opened to display hinge.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Three Cerastoderma glaucum with siphons extended.

Copyright: Dennis R. Seaward

External view of Chamelea gallina valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Chamelea gallina on a black background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Internal view of Chamelea gallina valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Clausinella fasciata valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Clausinella fasciata valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Side profile of Clausinella fasciata.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Assorted colours and shapes of banded wedge shells

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Inside of shell half of the banded wedge shell

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Open empty shell of Donax vittatus.

Copyright: Paul Naylor

Shell half of the banded wedge shell

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Shell half of the banded wedge shell

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

External view of Dosinia exoleta valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Dosinia exoleta valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The smooth Artemis Dosinia lupinus on a black background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Ensis ensis, the razor shell.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Ensis siliqua shell on a dark background.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

The razor shell Ensis siliqua showing almost straight sided valves.

Copyright: Paul Newland

The razor shell Ensis siliqua.

Copyright: Paul Newland

The siphons of a razor shell.

Copyright: Paul Newland

Fabulina fabula.

Copyright: Peter Barfield

Fabulina fabula on a black background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Shell of the dog cockle Glycymeris glycymeris.

Copyright: Jo Trout

Both valves of the dog cockle Glycymeris glycymeris.

Copyright: Jo Trout

Multiple Glycymeris glycymeris shells on the seabed.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Hiatella arctica.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Hiatella arctica in burrow.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

External view of Lasaea adansoni valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Limaria hians.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Limaria hians and nest.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Limaria hians hidden within a nest.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Close up of the tentacles of Limaria hians.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Macoma balthica.

Copyright: Marine Biological Association of the UK (MBA)

External view of Macomangulus tenuis valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Macomangulus tenuis valves.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Magallana gigas at Batten Bay, Plymouth Sound.

Copyright: Guy Baker

Magallana gigas (with diver)

Copyright: Paul Newland

Magallana gigas at Firestone Bay, Plymouth Sound.

Copyright: Jack Sewell

Magallana gigas at Jennycliff Bay.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Magallana gigas growing on the side of a marina pontoon.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Magallana gigas on a dark, barnacle covered rock.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Magallana gigas on open rock.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Magallana gigas, Kingsand.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

External view of Mercenaria mercenaria valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Mercenaria mercenaria valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Side view of Mercenaria mercenaria lunule.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The bearded horse mussel on a rocky intertidal shore

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Horse mussel bed with hydroids and red seaweed, Linga Sound, Shetland.

Copyright: Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)

Clump of horse mussels Modiolus modiolus on bedrock.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Group of horse mussels in sediment.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Musculus discors living in bryozoan turf collected from dead Eunicella verrucosa.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

A selection of adult Mya arenaria.

Copyright: Dr Matthias Strasser

A selection of juvenile Mya arenaria about 2-5 mm in length.

Copyright: Dr Matthias Strasser

Characteristic siphon holes of Mya arenaria.

Copyright: Dr Matthias Strasser

Specimen of Mya truncata.

Copyright: Tim Siferd

Siphons of Mya truncata visible on sediment surface at 19m off Qikiqtarjuag, Canada.

Copyright: Tim Siferd

Myrtea spinifera.

Copyright: Peter Barfield

Clump of mussels.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Mytilus edulis covered in barnacles - close up.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Mytilus edulis covered in barnacles.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Mytilus edulis, on a buoy line, feeding.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Dense clump of mussels with barnacles on individuals.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Dense covering of mussels on intertidal rocks.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Dense growth of young mussels with barnacles and two dog whelks.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Mussel shells displayed on gravel.

Copyright: Sue Daly

Nucula nitidosa

Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Nucula nitidosa on a black background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Nucula sulcata.

Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

A view of the upper (right) side of a native oyster attached to pebbles.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Native oyster Ostrea edulis exposed by the tide at Oreston Spit, Plym Estuary.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Native oyster Ostrea edulis in shallow water at Durgon, Itelford River, Cornwall.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Great scallop, Pecten maximus, and maerl.

Copyright: Sue Scott

Pecten maximus in Doune.

Copyright: Fiona Crouch

Pecten maximus in front of eelgrass

Copyright: Andrew Pearson

Pecten maximus shells.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Pecten maximus shells.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Pecten maximus swimming.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Close up of the Great Scallop Pecten maximus showing the mantle.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Great scallop ( Pecten maximus) on a gravel bank at the Manacles, southwest Cornwall.

Copyright: Robert Keen

The great scallop in sediment.

Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

External view of Petricolaria pholadiformis valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Petricolaria pholadiformis in situ.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Petricolaria pholadiformis valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Phaxas pellucidus valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Phaxas pellucidus lying on top of a sandy shore.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Phaxas pellucidus on a black background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Phaxas pellucidus protruding from its burrow.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Phaxas pellucidus.

Copyright: Peter Barfield

Tip of Phaxas pellucidus showing out of its burrow.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Large specimen of Pholas dactylus from off Mumbles Head.

Copyright: Jon Moore

The common piddock Pholas dactylus, South Wales.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

External view of Ruditapes decussatus valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Ruditapes decussatus valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Ruditapes decussatus valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Ruditapes philippinarum valve.

Copyright: Terry Wimbleton

Side profile of lunule and ligament of Ruditapes philippinarum.

Copyright: Terry Wimbleton

A number of Scrobicularia plana being dug out of coarse sediment.

Copyright: Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)

Closeup of the hinge of one valve of the peppery furrow shell

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Interior of one valve of the peppery furrow shell

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

One valve of the peppery furrow shell

Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Overhead shot of star shaped depressions left by siphons of Scrobicularia plana.

Copyright: Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)

External view of Spisula elliptica valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Spisula elliptica valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The surf clam Spisula solida.

Copyright: Bob Williams

External view of Spisula solidissima valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Spisula solidissima valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Tellimya ferruginosa valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Tellimya ferruginosa in a laboratory.

Copyright: Judith Oakley

Tellimya ferruginosa on a black background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Internal view of Tellimya ferruginosa valves.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Thracia convexa valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Thracia villosiuscula valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Thyasira gouldii valve.

Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The oval venus, Timoclea ovata.

Copyright: Peter Barfield

Varicorbula gibba.

Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Varicorbula gibba on a black background.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Varicorbula gibba shell opened to show ligment and hinge teeth.

Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Varicorbula gibba.

Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Venus verrucosa in a laboratory.

Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Images: 156

Abra alba.

Modal: <i>Abra alba</i>.

Photographer: Peter Barfield, Copyright: Peter Barfield

A group of Abra alba.

Modal: A group of <i>Abra alba</i>.

Photographer: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd, Copyright: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd

Abra nitida.

Modal: <i>Abra nitida</i>.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Abra nitida.

Modal: <i>Abra nitida</i>.

Photographer: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd, Copyright: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd

The bivalve Abra prismatica.

Modal: The bivalve <i>Abra prismatica</i>.

Photographer: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd, Copyright: Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd

The spiny cockle Acanthocardia aculeata on mixed sediment.

Modal: The spiny cockle <i>Acanthocardia aculeata</i> on mixed sediment.

Photographer: Jim Anderson, Copyright: Jim Anderson

Museum specimens of the spiny cockle.

Modal: Museum specimens of the spiny cockle.

Photographer: Dennis R. Seaward, Copyright: Dennis R. Seaward

Aequipecten opercularis on mixed substrata.

Modal: <i>Aequipecten opercularis</i> on mixed substrata.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Aequipecten opercularis showing mantle and eyes.

Modal: <i>Aequipecten opercularis</i> showing mantle and eyes.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

A resting queen scallop.

Modal: A resting queen scallop.

Photographer: Gordon Lang, Copyright: Gordon Lang

A resting queen scallop.

Modal: A resting queen scallop.

Photographer: Gordon Lang, Copyright: Gordon Lang

Intertidal saddle oyster

Modal: Intertidal saddle oyster

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Interior of saddle oyster shell halves

Modal: Interior of saddle oyster shell halves

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

The saddle oyster Anomia ephippium, showing the mantle edge of the left valve.

Modal: The saddle oyster <i>Anomia ephippium</i>, showing the mantle edge of the left valve.

Photographer: Paula Lightfoot, Copyright: Paula Lightfoot

The saddle oyster Anomia ephippium, showing the mantle edge of the left valve.

Modal: The saddle oyster <i>Anomia ephippium</i>, showing the mantle edge of the left valve.

Photographer: Paula Lightfoot, Copyright: Paula Lightfoot

Upper shell of saddle oyster found at low tide.

Modal: Upper shell of saddle oyster found at low tide.

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Arctica islandica on a black background.

Modal: <i>Arctica islandica</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Astarte montagui.

Modal: <i>Astarte montagui</i>.

Photographer: Dr Sebastian Holmes, Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Astarte sulcata.

Modal: <i>Astarte sulcata</i>.

Photographer: Dr Sebastian Holmes, Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Astarte sulcata on a green background.

Modal: <i>Astarte sulcata</i> on a green background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Adult Atrina fragilis embedded in sea bed.

Modal: Adult <i>Atrina fragilis</i> embedded in sea bed.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Atrina fragilis in muddy gravel, Ireland.

Modal: <i>Atrina fragilis</i> in muddy gravel, Ireland.

Photographer: Erling Svensen, Copyright: Erling Svensen

Atrina fragilis in soft mud in Plymouth Sound.

Modal: <i>Atrina fragilis</i> in soft mud in Plymouth Sound.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Atrina fragilis on the seabed.

Modal: <i>Atrina fragilis</i> on the seabed.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Atrina fragilis removed from soft mud in Plymouth Sound.

Modal: <i>Atrina fragilis</i> removed from soft mud in Plymouth Sound.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Side view of Atrina fragilis in the seabed.

Modal: Side view of <i>Atrina fragilis</i> in the seabed.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Side view of Atrina fragilis on log showing scale.

Modal: Side view of <i>Atrina fragilis</i> on log showing scale.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Barnea candida in situ.

Modal: <i>Barnea candida</i> in situ.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Barnea candida valve.

Modal: <i>Barnea candida</i> valve.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Apical view of Barnea candida protoplax.

Modal: Apical view of <i>Barnea candida</i> protoplax.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Barnea candida valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Barnea candida</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Callista chione valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Callista chione</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Callista chione valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Callista chione</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Side profile of Callista chione.

Modal: Side profile of <i>Callista chione</i>.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The common cockle Cerastoderma edule on mud surface.

Modal: The common cockle <i>Cerastoderma edule</i> on mud surface.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Cerastoderma edule on a black background.

Modal: <i>Cerastoderma edule</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Shell of Cerastoderma edule opened to display hinge.

Modal: Shell of <i>Cerastoderma edule</i> opened to display hinge.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Three Cerastoderma glaucum with siphons extended.

Modal: Three <i>Cerastoderma glaucum</i> with siphons extended.

Photographer: Dennis R. Seaward, Copyright: Dennis R. Seaward

External view of Chamelea gallina valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Chamelea gallina</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Chamelea gallina on a black background.

Modal: <i>Chamelea gallina</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Internal view of Chamelea gallina valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Chamelea gallina</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Clausinella fasciata valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Clausinella fasciata</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Clausinella fasciata valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Clausinella fasciata</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Side profile of Clausinella fasciata.

Modal: Side profile of <i>Clausinella fasciata</i>.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Assorted colours and shapes of banded wedge shells

Modal: Assorted colours and shapes of banded wedge shells

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Inside of shell half of the banded wedge shell

Modal: Inside of shell half of the banded wedge shell

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Open empty shell of Donax vittatus.

Modal: Open empty shell of <i>Donax vittatus</i>.

Photographer: Paul Naylor, Copyright: Paul Naylor

Shell half of the banded wedge shell

Modal: Shell half of the banded wedge shell

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Shell half of the banded wedge shell

Modal: Shell half of the banded wedge shell

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

External view of Dosinia exoleta valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Dosinia exoleta</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Dosinia exoleta valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Dosinia exoleta</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The smooth Artemis Dosinia lupinus on a black background.

Modal: The smooth Artemis <i>Dosinia lupinus</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Ensis ensis, the razor shell.

Modal: <i>Ensis ensis</i>, the razor shell.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Ensis siliqua shell on a dark background.

Modal: <i>Ensis siliqua</i> shell on a dark background.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

The razor shell Ensis siliqua showing almost straight sided valves.

Modal: The razor shell <i>Ensis siliqua</i> showing almost straight sided valves.

Photographer: Paul Newland, Copyright: Paul Newland

The razor shell Ensis siliqua.

Modal: The razor shell <i>Ensis siliqua</i>.

Photographer: Paul Newland, Copyright: Paul Newland

The siphons of a razor shell.

Modal: The siphons of a razor shell.

Photographer: Paul Newland, Copyright: Paul Newland

Fabulina fabula.

Modal: <i>Fabulina fabula</i>.

Photographer: Peter Barfield, Copyright: Peter Barfield

Fabulina fabula on a black background.

Modal: <i>Fabulina fabula</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Shell of the dog cockle Glycymeris glycymeris.

Modal: Shell of the dog cockle <i>Glycymeris glycymeris</i>.

Photographer: Jo Trout, Copyright: Jo Trout

Both valves of the dog cockle Glycymeris glycymeris.

Modal: Both valves of the dog cockle <i>Glycymeris glycymeris</i>.

Photographer: Jo Trout, Copyright: Jo Trout

Multiple Glycymeris glycymeris shells on the seabed.

Modal: Multiple <i>Glycymeris glycymeris</i> shells on the seabed.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Hiatella arctica.

Modal: <i>Hiatella arctica</i>.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Hiatella arctica in burrow.

Modal: <i>Hiatella arctica</i> in burrow.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

External view of Lasaea adansoni valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Lasaea adansoni</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Limaria hians.

Modal: <i>Limaria hians</i>.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Limaria hians and nest.

Modal: <i>Limaria hians</i> and nest.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Limaria hians hidden within a nest.

Modal: <i>Limaria hians</i> hidden within a nest.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Close up of the tentacles of Limaria hians.

Modal: Close up of the tentacles of <i>Limaria hians</i>.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Macoma balthica.

Modal: <i>Macoma balthica</i>.

Photographer: Dr W.J. Langston, Copyright: Marine Biological Association of the UK (MBA)

External view of Macomangulus tenuis valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Macomangulus tenuis</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Macomangulus tenuis valves.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Macomangulus tenuis</i> valves.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Magallana gigas at Batten Bay, Plymouth Sound.

Modal: <i>Magallana gigas</i> at Batten Bay, Plymouth Sound.

Photographer: Guy Baker, Copyright: Guy Baker

Magallana gigas (with diver)

Modal: <i>Magallana gigas</i> (with diver)

Photographer: Paul Newland, Copyright: Paul Newland

Magallana gigas at Firestone Bay, Plymouth Sound.

Modal: <i>Magallana gigas</i> at Firestone Bay, Plymouth Sound.

Photographer: Jack Sewell, Copyright: Jack Sewell

Magallana gigas at Jennycliff Bay.

Modal: <i>Magallana gigas</i> at Jennycliff Bay.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Magallana gigas growing on the side of a marina pontoon.

Modal: <i>Magallana gigas</i> growing on the side of a marina pontoon.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Magallana gigas on a dark, barnacle covered rock.

Modal: <i>Magallana gigas</i> on a dark, barnacle covered rock.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Magallana gigas on open rock.

Modal: <i>Magallana gigas</i> on open rock.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Magallana gigas, Kingsand.

Modal: <i>Magallana gigas</i>, Kingsand.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

External view of Mercenaria mercenaria valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Mercenaria mercenaria</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Mercenaria mercenaria valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Mercenaria mercenaria</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Side view of Mercenaria mercenaria lunule.

Modal: Side view of <i>Mercenaria mercenaria</i> lunule.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The bearded horse mussel on a rocky intertidal shore

Modal: The bearded horse mussel on a rocky intertidal shore

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Horse mussel bed with hydroids and red seaweed, Linga Sound, Shetland.

Modal: Horse mussel bed with hydroids and red seaweed, Linga Sound, Shetland.

Photographer: Anon., Copyright: Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)

Clump of horse mussels Modiolus modiolus on bedrock.

Modal: Clump of horse mussels <i>Modiolus modiolus</i> on bedrock.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Group of horse mussels in sediment.

Modal: Group of horse mussels in sediment.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Musculus discors living in bryozoan turf collected from dead Eunicella verrucosa.

Modal: <i>Musculus discors</i> living in bryozoan turf collected from dead <i>Eunicella verrucosa</i>.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

A selection of adult Mya arenaria.

Modal: A selection of adult <i>Mya arenaria</i>.

Photographer: Dr Matthias Strasser, Copyright: Dr Matthias Strasser

A selection of juvenile Mya arenaria about 2-5 mm in length.

Modal: A selection of juvenile <i>Mya arenaria</i> about 2-5 mm in length.

Photographer: Dr Matthias Strasser, Copyright: Dr Matthias Strasser

Characteristic siphon holes of Mya arenaria.

Modal: Characteristic siphon holes of <i>Mya arenaria</i>.

Photographer: Dr Matthias Strasser, Copyright: Dr Matthias Strasser

Specimen of Mya truncata.

Modal: Specimen of <i>Mya truncata</i>.

Photographer: Tim Siferd, Copyright: Tim Siferd

Siphons of Mya truncata visible on sediment surface at 19m off Qikiqtarjuag, Canada.

Modal: Siphons of <i>Mya truncata</i> visible on sediment surface at 19m off Qikiqtarjuag, Canada.

Photographer: Tim Siferd, Copyright: Tim Siferd

Myrtea spinifera.

Modal: <i>Myrtea spinifera</i>.

Photographer: Peter Barfield, Copyright: Peter Barfield

Clump of mussels.

Modal: Clump of mussels.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Mytilus edulis covered in barnacles - close up.

Modal: <i>Mytilus edulis</i> covered in barnacles - close up.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Mytilus edulis covered in barnacles.

Modal: <i>Mytilus edulis</i> covered in barnacles.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Mytilus edulis, on a buoy line, feeding.

Modal: <i>Mytilus edulis</i>, on a buoy line, feeding.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Dense clump of mussels with barnacles on individuals.

Modal: Dense clump of mussels with barnacles on individuals.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Dense covering of mussels on intertidal rocks.

Modal: Dense covering of mussels on intertidal rocks.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Dense growth of young mussels with barnacles and two dog whelks.

Modal: Dense growth of young mussels with barnacles and two dog whelks.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Mussel shells displayed on gravel.

Modal: Mussel shells displayed on gravel.

Photographer: Sue Daly, Copyright: Sue Daly

Nucula nitidosa

Modal: <i>Nucula nitidosa</i>

Photographer: Dr Sebastian Holmes, Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Nucula nitidosa on a black background.

Modal: <i>Nucula nitidosa</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Nucula sulcata.

Modal: <i>Nucula sulcata</i>.

Photographer: Dr Sebastian Holmes, Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

A view of the upper (right) side of a native oyster attached to pebbles.

Modal: A view of the upper (right) side of a native oyster attached to pebbles.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Native oyster Ostrea edulis exposed by the tide at Oreston Spit, Plym Estuary.

Modal: Native oyster <i>Ostrea edulis</i> exposed by the tide at Oreston Spit, Plym Estuary.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Native oyster Ostrea edulis in shallow water at Durgon, Itelford River, Cornwall.

Modal: Native oyster <i>Ostrea edulis</i> in shallow water at Durgon, Itelford River, Cornwall.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Great scallop, Pecten maximus, and maerl.

Modal: Great scallop, <i>Pecten maximus</i>, and maerl.

Photographer: Sue Scott, Copyright: Sue Scott

Pecten maximus in Doune.

Modal: <i>Pecten maximus</i> in Doune.

Photographer: Fiona Crouch, Copyright: Fiona Crouch

Pecten maximus in front of eelgrass

Modal: <i>Pecten maximus</i> in front of eelgrass

Photographer: Andy Pearson, Copyright: Andrew Pearson

Pecten maximus shells.

Modal: <i>Pecten maximus</i> shells.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Pecten maximus shells.

Modal: <i>Pecten maximus</i> shells.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Pecten maximus swimming.

Modal: <i>Pecten maximus</i> swimming.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Close up of the Great Scallop Pecten maximus showing the mantle.

Modal: Close up of the Great Scallop <i>Pecten maximus </i> showing the mantle.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

Great scallop ( Pecten maximus) on a gravel bank at the Manacles, southwest Cornwall.

Modal: Great scallop (<i> Pecten maximus</i>) on a gravel bank at the Manacles, southwest Cornwall.

Photographer: Robert Keen, Copyright: Robert Keen

The great scallop in sediment.

Modal: The great scallop in sediment.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock

External view of Petricolaria pholadiformis valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Petricolaria pholadiformis</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Petricolaria pholadiformis in situ.

Modal: <i>Petricolaria pholadiformis</i> in situ.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Petricolaria pholadiformis valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Petricolaria pholadiformis</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Phaxas pellucidus valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Phaxas pellucidus</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Phaxas pellucidus lying on top of a sandy shore.

Modal: <i>Phaxas pellucidus</i> lying on top of a sandy shore.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Phaxas pellucidus on a black background.

Modal: <i>Phaxas pellucidus</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Phaxas pellucidus protruding from its burrow.

Modal: <i>Phaxas pellucidus</i> protruding from its burrow.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Phaxas pellucidus.

Modal: <i>Phaxas pellucidus</i>.

Photographer: Peter Barfield, Copyright: Peter Barfield

Tip of Phaxas pellucidus showing out of its burrow.

Modal: Tip of <i>Phaxas pellucidus</i> showing out of its burrow.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Large specimen of Pholas dactylus from off Mumbles Head.

Modal: Large specimen of <i>Pholas dactylus</i> from off Mumbles Head.

Photographer: Jon Moore, Copyright: Jon Moore

The common piddock Pholas dactylus, South Wales.

Modal: The common piddock <i>Pholas dactylus</i>, South Wales.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

External view of Ruditapes decussatus valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Ruditapes decussatus</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Ruditapes decussatus valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Ruditapes decussatus</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Ruditapes decussatus valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Ruditapes decussatus</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Ruditapes philippinarum valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Ruditapes philippinarum</i> valve.

Photographer: Terry Wimbleton, Copyright: Terry Wimbleton

Side profile of lunule and ligament of Ruditapes philippinarum.

Modal: Side profile of lunule and ligament of <i>Ruditapes philippinarum</i>.

Photographer: Terry Wimbleton, Copyright: Terry Wimbleton

A number of Scrobicularia plana being dug out of coarse sediment.

Modal:  A number of <i>Scrobicularia plana</i> being dug out of coarse sediment.

Photographer: Ian Reach, Copyright: Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)

Closeup of the hinge of one valve of the peppery furrow shell

Modal: Closeup of the hinge of one valve of the peppery furrow shell

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Interior of one valve of the peppery furrow shell

Modal: Interior of one valve of the peppery furrow shell

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

One valve of the peppery furrow shell

Modal: One valve of the peppery furrow shell

Photographer: David Fenwick, Copyright: David Fenwick Snr.

Overhead shot of star shaped depressions left by siphons of Scrobicularia plana.

Modal: Overhead shot of star shaped depressions left by siphons of <i>Scrobicularia plana</i>.

Photographer: Dr Keith Hiscock, Copyright: Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)

External view of Spisula elliptica valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Spisula elliptica</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Spisula elliptica valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Spisula elliptica</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The surf clam Spisula solida.

Modal: The surf clam <i>Spisula solida</i>.

Photographer: Bob Williams, Copyright: Bob Williams

External view of Spisula solidissima valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Spisula solidissima</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Internal view of Spisula solidissima valve.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Spisula solidissima</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Tellimya ferruginosa valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Tellimya ferruginosa</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Tellimya ferruginosa in a laboratory.

Modal: <i>Tellimya ferruginosa</i> in a laboratory.

Photographer: Judith Oakley, Copyright: Judith Oakley

Tellimya ferruginosa on a black background.

Modal: <i>Tellimya ferruginosa</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Internal view of Tellimya ferruginosa valves.

Modal: Internal view of <i>Tellimya ferruginosa</i> valves.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Thracia convexa valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Thracia convexa</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Thracia villosiuscula valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Thracia villosiuscula</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

External view of Thyasira gouldii valve.

Modal: External view of <i>Thyasira gouldii</i> valve.

Photographer: National Museum Wales, Copyright: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

The oval venus, Timoclea ovata.

Modal: The oval venus, <i>Timoclea ovata</i>.

Photographer: Peter Barfield, Copyright: Peter Barfield

Varicorbula gibba.

Modal: <i>Varicorbula gibba</i>.

Photographer: Dr Sebastian Holmes, Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Varicorbula gibba on a black background.

Modal: <i>Varicorbula gibba</i> on a black background.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

Varicorbula gibba shell opened to show ligment and hinge teeth.

Modal: <i>Varicorbula gibba</i> shell opened to show ligment and hinge teeth.

Photographer: Dr Sebastian Holmes, Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Varicorbula gibba.

Modal: <i>Varicorbula gibba</i>.

Photographer: Dr Sebastian Holmes, Copyright: Dr Sebastian Holmes

Venus verrucosa in a laboratory.

Modal: <i>Venus verrucosa</i> in a laboratory.

Photographer: Hilmar Hinz, Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz

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