Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.
Authentication
Information authenticated by Jean-Luc Solandt of the Marine Conservation Society: www.mcsuk.org
Glossary
Bivalve: in this group of aquatic molluscs the soft parts are encased in a shell consisting of two parts known as 'valves'.
Larvae: stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
Planktonic: aquatic organisms that drift with water movements; may be either phytoplankton (plants), or zooplankton (animals).
Tyler-Walters, H. (2003). Atrina fragilis. Fan mussel. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Available from: http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Atrinafragilis.htm