An Odd Bivalve Shell; Symbiotic Worms, or Killers?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by wlwhittier, Dec 19, 2024.

  1. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    It's ~3 3/4" long, ~3" wide, ~1 3/4" high; it weighs ~141 grams.
    The area above the hinge, corresponding to the oldest growth-layer, seems to be the most riddled...but other bivalves I've seen usually show worm-penetration through into the living chamber, a sign of predation. This has not a single such penetration.
    I'm a west-coast kid (US), an' not deeply informed even about our indigenous clams, mussels & etc., but the layered growth, an' the presence of worms that haven't fed on the critter within, are new in my experience. I'm betting this is from a distant sea-shore, an' hope for some of y'alls knowing eyes to tell me more about it. Thanks for lookin'!

    P1430237.jpeg P1430238.jpeg P1430239.jpeg P1430240.jpeg P1430241.jpeg
     
    Any Jewelry and laura9797 like this.
  2. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    Any Jewelry, laura9797 and komokwa like this.
  3. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    you're right, it's boring....;)
     
    wlwhittier, Any Jewelry and laura9797 like this.
  4. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    I did an advanced marine zoology field course many many years ago. The creatures that live on bivalves and other molluscs are generally symbionts or at worse, just passengers.

    I could bore you senseless on the private life of the dog whelk.
     
  5. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    OMG...I am SO sorry...
     
  6. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    I knew that was going to happen......
     
    Bev aka thelmasstuff likes this.
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Bivalve Shell
Forum Title Date
Antique Discussion Antique Turtle shell box , or horn.....or plastic... or what ? Aug 30, 2025
Antique Discussion Tortoise shell carving mask Aug 10, 2025
Antique Discussion Little S/P Eagle holding a shell dish. Victorian? open salt? Aug 6, 2025
Antique Discussion Chinese tortoiseshell snuff bottle-age? May 30, 2025
Antique Discussion tortoiseshell cigar case- French antique? May 29, 2025

Share This Page