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| bivalves text index | photo index |
| Phylum Mollusca > Class Bivalvia |
| Thorny
oyster Spondylus sp.* Family Spondylidae updated Oct 10 Where seen? This rather large clam with spikes is sometimes seen near reefs, stuck to rocks or dead corals. It is not a true oyster, which belong to Family Ostreidae. Features: 8-10cm. The lower (right) valve is stuck to the hard surface and is more convex (like a cup). The upper (left) valve is rather flat, like a lid, and covered with flat short spines. What do they eat? Like most other bivalves, it is a filter feeder. When submerged, it opens its valves slightly and sucks in a current of water. It uses its enlarged gills to sieve food particles out of this current. When the tide goes out, it clamps up the valves tightly to prevent water loss. Human uses: Collected for for food and the shell trade by coastal dwellers. Their shells may also be used to make lime. |
 Pulau Berkas, Jan 10  |
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Thorny oysters on Singapore shores
 Pulau Salu, Jan 10 |
 Pulau Hantu, Feb 10 |
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 Tanah Merah, Dec 10 |
 Tanah Merah, Dec 10 |
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*Species are difficult to positively identify without close examination.
On this website, they are grouped by external features for convenience of display.
| Family
Spondylidae 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
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Graham Brash, Singapore. 145 pp.|
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