Seashells - Bivalves

Noah's Ark Shells, Arca noae, also called Turkey Wings. Common around Kythera, these sturdy shells a...

Ark Shell, Arca diluvii, 2.5 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003

Arca barbata, or Bearded Arc. This shell has a bristly coat. 2.5 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas,...

Bittersweet Clam, Glycymeris pilosa. 6 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003

Violet Bittersweet Clam, Glycymeris violacescens. The purple hue has been worn down on this clam, re...

Violet Bittersweet Clam, Glycymeris violacescens, showing typical purple color on the outside of the...

Noah's Ark Shell, Arca noae, also called Turkey Wing. 7 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003

This majestic Fan Mussel, Pinna rudis was found near Diakofty. Also known as the Pen Shell. Gift of...

A close-up view of the outer shell of a large Fan Mussel, Pinna rudis, showing strong 'teeth' standi...

The inside of a Fan Mussel shell, showing dark mother-of-pearl set against the delicate, translucen...

The Date Mussel, Lithophaga lithophaga. 5.5 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003

Two brownish-purple Bearded Horse Mussels, Modiolus barbatus. 3.5 and 5 cm long. Photograph ©James P...

A beautiful example of the fragile Fan Mussel called Pinna nobilis. These odd and delicate shells st...

The inside of the Fan Mussel, Pinna nobilis, shows a brilliant orange color and delicate mother-of-p...

File Shell, Lima lima showing its spiny exterior. 6 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003

Both halves of a Gaping File Shell, Lima hians. 3 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003

The Common Saddle Oyster, Anomia ephippium has a thin, flat lower valve with a conspicuous saddle-sh...

The upper valve of the Saddle Oyster, Anomia ephippoum, is rough and scaly on the outside, but has a...

The Common or European Oyster, Ostrea edulis frequently attaches itself to other shells. In this exa...

The upper valves of two European Oysters, Ostrea edulis, showing their irregular shapes and ruffled...