Other Names

• Hototogisu

General Description

This species can be recognised by its small, thin, elongate shell, olive green to brown in colour, with darker markings (maybe zig-zag or mottled) posteriorly, and a glossy valve interior. Valve rounded apex (umbo) near anterior end. Shell up to 3 cm across.

Biology

This species is native to the north western Pacific, with a natural distribution including Siberia, Korea, China and Japan. Populations are now established in many localities around the world, western USA (1940's), New Zealand (1970's), Mediterranean (1980's), Swan Estuary, WA (1980's) and Victoria (late 1980's) where it is now abundant in Port Phillip Bay. Introductions have been attributed to ballast water and ship fouling. Tolerant of low oxygen concentrations and low salinities helps them to survive in these locations. Predators include diving ducks, oyster catchers and several species of gastropods.

Habitat

In or on hard or soft substrates, from intertidal areas to depth of 20 m.

Soft substrates

Reefs

Distribution guide

Worldwide. In Australia, areas of Western Australia and Victoria.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Bivalves

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

3 cm

Diet

Plankton or Particles

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Introduced to Australia

Conservation Status

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