mollusks
Mollusks
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Mollusks comprise a group of soft-bodied animals that includes snails, clams, and sea slugs. The most common characteristic of most mollusks is their shell. One of the largest groups, the snails, is renowned for their shells. Snails are univalves, which means they have one shell. And it is this shell that for many people is the epitome of the ocean. There is perhaps no other ocean treasure that displays more diversity and beauty than the shell. Conchology, the study and collection of shells is a popular hobby the world over. The bivalves, or two-shell mollusks include the clams, scallops, and oysters. It is the oyster that is responsible for producing the most coveted of the ocean's treasures - the pearl. Still other mollusks have lost their shells altogether. The octopus, the squid, and the sea slugs have evolved their own survival strategies to replace their protective armor. Indeed, it is due to the absence of a protective shell the octopus has evolved the largest and most complex brain of all the mollusks. Below is a listing of some of the most common mollusks found on the world's coral reefs.
Yellow Nudibranch
(Notodoris minor
The nudibranch is without a doubt the most colorful of all the mollusks. There are hundreds of species, and are different and exhibit an endless variety of beautiful designs. Nudibranchs are members of the sea slug family and have lost their protective shells. They feed mainly on algae, although some species will eat corals and sponges.
Giant Clam
(Tridacna maxima)
The giant clam is the largest bivalve in the world. Some species can reach 4 feet in length. Their bright colors are caused by tiny algae called zooxanthellae. These algae use sunlight to provide nutrients to the clam and receive other nutrients in return. This species if found in the southwest Pacific, and reaches 14 inches in length.
Giant Clam
(Tridacna crocea)
This species of giant clam is also found in the southwest
Page 1
Mollusks comprise a group of soft-bodied animals that includes snails, clams, and sea slugs. The most common characteristic of most mollusks is their shell. One of the largest groups, the snails, is renowned for their shells. Snails are univalves, which means they have one shell. And it is this shell that for many people is the epitome of the ocean. There is perhaps no other ocean treasure that displays more diversity and beauty than the shell. Conchology, the study and collection of shells is a popular hobby the world over. The bivalves, or two-shell mollusks include the clams, scallops, and oysters. It is the oyster that is responsible for producing the most coveted of the ocean's treasures - the pearl. Still other mollusks have lost their shells altogether. The octopus, the squid, and the sea slugs have evolved their own survival strategies to replace their protective armor. Indeed, it is due to the absence of a protective shell the octopus has evolved the largest and most complex brain of all the mollusks. Below is a listing of some of the most common mollusks found on the world's coral reefs.
Yellow Nudibranch
(Notodoris minor
The nudibranch is without a doubt the most colorful of all the mollusks. There are hundreds of species, and are different and exhibit an endless variety of beautiful designs. Nudibranchs are members of the sea slug family and have lost their protective shells. They feed mainly on algae, although some species will eat corals and sponges.
Giant Clam
(Tridacna maxima)
The giant clam is the largest bivalve in the world. Some species can reach 4 feet in length. Their bright colors are caused by tiny algae called zooxanthellae. These algae use sunlight to provide nutrients to the clam and receive other nutrients in return. This species if found in the southwest Pacific, and reaches 14 inches in length.
Giant Clam
(Tridacna crocea)
This species of giant clam is also found in the southwest