PORT PHILLIP BAY


Bivalve Mollusc 

Gari kenyoniana (Pritchard & Gatliff, 1904)

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Sunset shells are small to quite large, usually smooth, often beautifully coloured with radial rays, which may show considerable variation within a single species. The shape is elongate/ovate, a periostracum is present and maybe conspicuous. The hinge line is thin with two cardinals in each valve, laterals are not present and the ligament is external.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Mollusca
Subphylum:
Conchifera
Class:
Bivalvia
Subclass:
Heterodonta
Order:
Veneroida
Superfamily:
Tellinoidea
Family:
Psammobiidae
Genus:
Gari
Subgenus:
Psammobia
Species:
kenyoniana

General Description

The shells of this species are large, elongate, and strong. Weak ridge (umbonal keel) extending from rounded apex (umbo) to postero-ventral margin. Exterior sculpture of numerous, well-defined concentric lines (striae). Shell up to 8 cm across.

Biology

These shells are deep burrowers in sand or muddy sand areas and most are deposit feeders. Individuals of this species are not common.

Habitat

In sand or mud areas.

Soft substrates

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

8 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

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, Gari kenyoniana, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 02 Dec 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5610

Text: creative commons cc by licence