Fan mussel  (Atrina fragilis)

Species information

Videos and images

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).

References

  1. NBN Species Dictionary (Jan 2003). Available on-line from:
    http://yaw.nhm.ac.uk/nhm
  2. 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
  3. UK BAP Species Action Plan (October 2003):
    http://www.ukbap.org.uk
  4. Solandt, J-L (2003). The fan shell Atrina fragilis- a species of conservation concern. British Wildlife, 14 (number 6): 423-427.