PORT PHILLIP BAY


Bivalve Mollusc 

Melliteryx acupuncta (Hedley, 1902)

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Members of this family are small to minute and demonstrate great variation in shell shape and external sculpture. Species often have a commensal relationship with other invertebrates including bivalves, crustaceans, echinoderms and worms. This single family is now recognised to include a number of groups which were formally given family status, including Lasaeidae, Leptonidae, Mysellidae and Montacutidae.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Mollusca
Subphylum:
Conchifera
Class:
Bivalvia
Subclass:
Heterodonta
Order:
Veneroida
Superfamily:
Galeommatoidea
Family:
Galeommatidae
Genus:
Melliteryx
Species:
acupuncta

General Description

Shells of this species are very tiny, ovate, inflated and white. Exterior sculpture of fine swollen bumps (pustules). Valve rounded apex (umbo) approximately median positioned. Shell up to 2 mm across.

Biology

Like other species in this family group of bivalves, these tiny animals often have a commensal relationship with invertebrates including other bivalves, crustaceans, echinoderms and worms.

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Bivalves

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2 mm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Species Code

MoV 1701

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Boyd, S.

Sue Boyd is an Honorary Associate in marine invertebrates at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Boyd, S., 2011, Bivalve Mollusc, Melliteryx acupuncta, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5529

Text: creative commons cc by licence