PORT PHILLIP BAY


Little Solemya 

Solemya velesiana Iredale, 1931

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Species in this family can be recognised by the elongate shell covered by a thick, shiny periostracum which extends beyond the shell margins as a fringe. The animals are usually found burrowing in thick mud, often in areas with reduced oxygen (anoxic) and high organic content.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Mollusca
Subphylum:
Conchifera
Class:
Bivalvia
Subclass:
Protobranchia
Order:
Solemyoida
Family:
Solemyidae
Genus:
Solemya
Subgenus:
Solemyarina
Species:
velesiana

General Description

This species is considerably smaller than related species but otherwise very similar. Shell up to 1 cm across.

Biology

This species is among the few bivalves to be able to move about in water. They may use non-bound sulphide in the sediment since burrows are found to be lined with deposits of ferrous iron.

Habitat

In sandy silt with relatively low levels of free sulphide.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Western and eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Bivalves

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

1 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, Little Solemya, Solemya velesiana, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5637

Text: creative commons cc by licence