Kingdom Animalia Scientific name Glycymeris Rank Genus Subclass Pteriomorphia | Family Glycymerididae Phylum Mollusca Order Arcida | |
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Similar Dog cockle, Glycymerididae, Barbatia, Arcida, Acanthocardia | ||
Glycymeris, common name the bittersweet clams, is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve molluscs in the family Glycymerididae.
Contents
Etymology
The genus name comes from the Ancient Greek word glykymaris (perhaps from Glykys (sweet) and Meris (part)), a word which is only recorded once in Greek literature.
Fossil records
These clams are very common in the fossil state, from Cretaceous period in the Valanginian age (from 112.6 to o 0.012 million years ago). Fossil shells of these molluscs can be found all over the world. Genus Glycymeris includes about 100 extinct species.
Description
The shells ares generally biconvex, with equal valves round in outline, and slightly longer than wide. Their size varies from medium to large. The external ligament lacks transverse striations. These clams are a facultatively mobile infaunal suspension feeders.
Habitat
They are widespread on shallow seabeds that consist of heterogeneous-grained sediments.
Species
Species within this genus include:
