Hiatella arctica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hiatella arctica |
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| One whole shell with periostracum (right) and a single larger valve (left) of Hiatella arctica | |
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Hiatella arctica, also called the wrinkled rock-borer or arctic hiatella, is a type of saltwater clam. It is a bivalve mollusc, which means it has a shell made of two parts, like a mussel or an oyster. This clam lives in the ocean and belongs to the family Hiatellidae. Its shell is usually white, thick, and can look a bit like a rectangle, but its shape is often uneven. It can grow up to 45 millimeters (about 1.8 inches) long.
Where the Arctic Hiatella Lives
The Hiatella arctica is found all over the world. You can find it in every ocean, from the very cold Arctic and Antarctic waters to warmer areas like subtropical and tropical zones. This clam lives from the shallow parts of the ocean, where the water is low, all the way down to depths of 800 meters (about 2,600 feet).
How This Clam Finds a Home
This clam likes to live on hard surfaces. It often attaches itself using special threads called byssus. You might find it living among beds of mussels or nestled within the strong roots of kelp plants. It also likes to hide in small cracks in rocks. Sometimes, it can even bore or drill into softer rocks to make a home for itself.
More About This Clam
- You can find more information about Hiatella arctica on the Marine Species Identification Portal: Hiatella arctica
See also
In Spanish: Hiatella arctica para niños
