Observations on Cochlodesma praetenue (Pulteney) [Eulamellibranchia]
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
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| Abstract |
Cochlodesma praetenue is well adapted for a sedentary life in sheltered conditions in soft substrata at low-water mark to a depth of 60 fathoms.The habits, morphology and ciliary feeding and cleansing mechanisms are described and compared with those of members of the related families Thraciidae, Pandoridae and Lyonsiidae.The complex ligament is described. The mantle edges are extensively fused. The detailed structure of the siphons is described and related to their function of laying down mucus-lined inhalant and exhalant tubes.The morphology and ciliary currents of the stomach show modifications similar to those previously described for Pandora. These modifications involve the extent of the major typhlosole and the replacement of an intestinal groove by lateral rejection grooves.Analysis of three large samples shows that Cochlodesma from the Northumberland coast live for a maximum of 5 years. These animals become mature in their third year, spawning in early November. |
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