Other Names

• Southern Bearded Ark
• Noah's Ark Shell

General Description

Shells of this species are elongate to ovate, often irregular, with exterior sculpture of fine radial ribs crossed by concentric striae. Bristly external coating (periostracum) at valve margins, particularly ventral and posterior areas. Shell up to 7 cm across.

Biology

This species attaches to rocks by a mass of threads called a byssus. It belongs to a group of bivalves that mainly occur in tropical waters of northern Australia. Only three species from this group live in Victorian waters.

Habitat

Under stones and in crevices, from low tide to depths of many metres.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Most states of Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Bivalves

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

7 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

MoV 2690

Conservation Status

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