Class: Bivalvia

Collection Highlights | Updated 5 years ago

Two halves of a mollusc shell
Amusium pleuronectes
Image copyright of WA Museum

The word “bivalve” means that the shell has two valves that generally enclose the entire body. These valves are dorsally hinged and are secreted by a large, two-lobed mantle. Bivalves lack a defined head and a radula (a rasp-like ribbon used to tear up food and draw it into the mouth – common to most molluscs).

Most are stationary filter feeders, feeding on minute particles of algae and detritus.

Bivalves include Giant Clams, Oysters, Scallops and Mussels.

Mollusc (Malacology) Section