List of bivalves of Hawaii facts for kids

Imagine a creature living inside two shells that can open and close like a book! These are called bivalves. Hawaii is home to many amazing ocean creatures, including 139 different kinds of bivalves. Almost half of these (66 species!) are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world!

What are Bivalves?

Bivalves are a type of mollusk that have two shells, called valves. These shells are connected by a hinge. Think of clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops – they are all bivalves!

How Bivalves Live

Most bivalves live in the ocean, but some can be found in fresh water. They don't have a head or arms like an octopus. Instead, they have a soft body inside their shells.

• Filter Feeders: Bivalves are amazing filter feeders. They pull water into their shells and filter out tiny bits of food, like plankton. This helps keep the water clean!
• Movement: Some bivalves, like clams, can burrow into the sand using a strong foot. Others, like mussels, attach themselves to rocks. Scallops can even swim short distances by clapping their shells together!
• Protection: Their two strong shells act like a perfect suit of armor, protecting them from predators.

Importance of Bivalves

Bivalves play a big role in ocean ecosystems. They help clean the water and are a food source for many other animals. Some bivalves, like oysters, are also important to humans for food. And of course, some oysters can even make beautiful pearls!

Bivalves of Hawaii: A Special Home

Hawaii's isolated islands and warm waters create a unique home for many sea creatures, including bivalves. Because the islands are so far from other landmasses, many species have evolved to be found only here. This is why so many Hawaiian bivalves are endemic.

Types of Hawaiian Bivalves

You can find many different kinds of bivalves in Hawaiian waters. Here are a few examples:

• Ark Clams: The Arca ventricosa, also known as the Ventricose ark shell, is one type of ark clam found here.
• Mussels: The Hawaiian mussel (Bronchriatus crebristriatus) is an endemic species, meaning it's unique to Hawaii.
• Pin Clams: These bivalves, like Pinna muricata, have long, wedge-shaped shells.
• Pearl Oysters: The Black-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) is famous for producing pearls. Another pearl oyster found here is the Winged pearl oyster (Pteria brunnea). Both are endemic to Hawaii.
• Purse Shells: Isognomon californicum and Isognomon perna are examples of purse shells.
• Scallops: Judd's scallop (Haumea juddi) is another endemic Hawaiian bivalve.
• File Shells: The Fragile file shell (Lamaria fragilis) is known for its delicate shell.
• Thorny Oysters: Spondylus icobaricus and Spondylus violescens are spiny oysters with rough, colorful shells.
• True Oysters: The Japanese oyster (Crassotrea gigas) and the Hawaiian oyster (Dendostrea sandvicensis) are found in Hawaii. The Hawaiian oyster is endemic.
• Cockles: The Rounded cockle (Vasticardium orbita hawaiensis) is an endemic cockle species.
• Tellins: The Rasp tellin (Tellina scobinata) is a type of tellin clam.