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| bivalves text index | photo index |
| Phylum Mollusca > Class Bivalvia |
| Tree
oysters Family Isognomonidae updated Oct 10 Where seen? These flat clams are often seen stuck to mangrove tree roots in many of our undisturbed mangroves. Thus they are sometimes also called Tree oysters. Some species stick to rocks and stones. What are tree oysters? Tree oysters belong to the Family Isognomonidae. Features: 1-8cm. Unlike other bivalves, they have comb-like teeth in the hinge, a feature of this family. They stick to tree roots by byssus threads. What do they eat? Like other bivalves, leaf oysters are filter feeders. At high tide, they open their shells a little. They then generate a current of water through the shell and sieve out the food particles with enlarged gills. When the tide goes out, they clamp up their shells tightly to prevent water loss. Human uses: Some species are collected for food by coastal populations and used as a substitute for true oysters. Status and threats: Like other creatures of the intertidal zone, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. Trampling by careless visitors can also affect local populations. |
 Sungei Buloh, Nov 03  Sungei Buloh, Mar 05 |
 One valve of an empty shell. |
 Tanah Merah, Dec 09 |
| Family
Isognomonidae recorded for Singapore from Tan Siong Kiat and Henrietta P. M. Woo, 2010 Preliminary Checklist of The Molluscs of Singapore.
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Links
References
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The Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore. 343 pp.|
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