PORT PHILLIP BAY


Finger-Oyster 

Solen vaginoides Lamarck, 1818

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Shells of this family have a very distinctive elongate shape, are of medium size, with unbones at anterior end; the valve exterior is smooth and covered with a smooth glossy periostracum.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Mollusca
Subphylum:
Conchifera
Class:
Bivalvia
Subclass:
Heterodonta
Order:
Veneroida
Superfamily:
Solenoidea
Family:
Solenidae
Genus:
Solen
Subgenus:
Solen
Species:
vaginoides

General Description

The very elongate, smooth shell of this species distinguishes it from other Victorian bivalves. Shell up to 10 cm across.

Biology

These shells are a food source for wading birds. They are exploited for food in other parts of the world and in China some species are cultivated. In northern Australia some species in this family group are exploited for food by indigenous communities.

Habitat

In soft sand or mud areas.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Most states of Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells Bivalves

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

10 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Species Code

MoV 213

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, Finger-Oyster, Solen vaginoides, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 22 Jun 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5638

Text: creative commons cc by licence