Disco clam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Disco clam |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ctenoides
|
| Species: |
ales
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The disco clam, also called an electric flame scallop or electric clam, is a super cool clam that lives in the ocean. It gets its name because it can flash bright lights, just like a disco ball! These amazing creatures live on coral reefs in warm waters, mainly in the Indo-Pacific region. They are usually about 2.8 inches (71 millimetres) long. What makes them special is that they are the only type of clam, or bivalve, known to put on such a dazzling light show.
Where Do Disco Clams Live?
Disco clams make their homes on beautiful coral reefs. You can find them in the Indo-Pacific region. This area includes the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. They often hide in small cracks and crevices within the reef.
What Do Disco Clams Eat?
Disco clams are filter feeders. This means they eat very tiny bits of food floating in the water. Their main diet is made up of small organisms called plankton. They filter the plankton from the water using special parts of their bodies.
How Do Disco Clams Make Light?
The disco clam is famous for its amazing light show. It doesn't actually make its own light like a firefly. Instead, it has a special trick! The clam has a lip, or mantle, that is covered in tiny, reflective balls. These balls are made of silica, which is like glass.
When light from the sun or another source hits these balls, they reflect it very quickly. The clam moves its mantle in and out, creating a flashing effect. This makes it look like the clam is blinking or flashing lights, just like a disco ball! Scientists are still studying why they do this. It might be to scare away predators or to attract food.
