bettsplendens:astronomy-to-zoology:Thorny Oysters (Genus: Spondylus)Also known as spiny oysters or s
bettsplendens:astronomy-to-zoology:Thorny Oysters (Genus: Spondylus)Also known as spiny oysters or simply spondylus, thorny oysters are a group of oysters that make up the only genus in the family spondylidae. Like the unrelated true oysters members of this genus will cement themselves to a hard surface via byssus and are filter feeders. Spondylus sp. are highly developed and have well developed nervous systems and multiple eyes around their shells. They also typically have fairly colorful mantles.ClassificationAnimalia-Mollusca-Bivalvia-Ostreoida-Pectinina-Pectinoidea-Spondylidae-SpondylusImages: Irina Patino and Didier DescouensThese guys’ shells wash up on beaches sometimes, but, as they cement to things and often live in deeper water, shells are rarer to find than others. What’s extremely rare is finding a shell with most of the thorns in place, those usually get broken off long before it can wash up. Relatively un-damaged ones are a beachcomber’s prize. -- source link
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