Kythera-Family.net - for the world-wide Kytherian community: Seashells

The Bivalves have two shells, or valves, hinged at the back by a strong ligament which allows the valves to open and close. The body of the Bivalve is compressed sideways and enclosed between these two shells. Sometimes these valves are equal and symmetrical, as with the ark shells, clams, mussels and cockles. Or the valves may be very uneven, as with most scallops and oysters.

In recent years shells have become more and more scarce around Kythera, as the Mediterranean environment deteriorates. However, you can still find great treasures around Diakofty, Avelmonas and Capsali, especially if you ask the fishermen to let you look through the debris caught in their nets.

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	1	Turkey Wings Noah's Ark Shells, Arca noae, also called Turkey Wings. Common around Kythera, these sturdy shells are frequently found... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	2	Ark Shell Ark Shell, Arca diluvii, 2.5 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003 submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	3	Bearded Ark Arca barbata, or Bearded Arc. This shell has a bristly coat. 2.5 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003 submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	4	Bittersweet Clam Bittersweet Clam, Glycymeris pilosa. 6 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003 submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	5	Yellow Violet Bittersweet Clam Violet Bittersweet Clam, Glycymeris violacescens. The purple hue has been worn down on this clam, revealing a lovely brown... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	6	Violet Bittersweet Clam Violet Bittersweet Clam, Glycymeris violacescens, showing typical purple color on the outside of the shell. 5 cm long.... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	7	Large Noah's Ark Shell Noah's Ark Shell, Arca noae, also called Turkey Wing. 7 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003 submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	8	Large Fan Mussel This majestic Fan Mussel, Pinna rudis was found near Diakofty. Also known as the Pen Shell. Gift of Zoe Paul. 31 cm long.... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	9	Fan Mussel detail A close-up view of the outer shell of a large Fan Mussel, Pinna rudis, showing strong 'teeth' standing in rows. Photograph... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	10	Fan Mussel interior The inside of a Fan Mussel shell, showing dark mother-of-pearl set against the delicate, translucent shell. 31 cm long.... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	11	Date Mussel The Date Mussel, Lithophaga lithophaga. 5.5 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003 submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	12	Bearded Horse Mussels Two brownish-purple Bearded Horse Mussels, Modiolus barbatus. 3.5 and 5 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003 submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	13	Noble Fan Mussel A beautiful example of the fragile Fan Mussel called Pinna nobilis. These odd and delicate shells stand upright in muddy... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	14	Noble Fan Mussel interior The inside of the Fan Mussel, Pinna nobilis, shows a brilliant orange color and delicate mother-of-pearl. 24 cm long.... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	15	File Shell File Shell, Lima lima showing its spiny exterior. 6 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003 submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	16	Gaping File Shell Both halves of a Gaping File Shell, Lima hians. 3 cm long. Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003 submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	17	Saddle Oyster, lower valves The Common Saddle Oyster, Anomia ephippium has a thin, flat lower valve with a conspicuous saddle-shaped opening at the top.... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	18	Saddle Oyster, top valves The upper valve of the Saddle Oyster, Anomia ephippoum, is rough and scaly on the outside, but has a lovely orangey-yellow,... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	19	Oyster Attachments The Common or European Oyster, Ostrea edulis frequently attaches itself to other shells. In this example, two oysters and a... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

	20	Two European Oysters The upper valves of two European Oysters, Ostrea edulis, showing their irregular shapes and ruffled surfaces. Each about 3 cm... submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

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Popular Seashells - Bivalves

This majestic Fan Mussel, <i>Pinna rudis</i> was found near Diakofty. Also known as the Pen Shell. Gift of Zoe Paul. 31 cm long. <i>Photograph ©James Prineas, 2003</i>

Large Fan Mussel

Two European Oysters