Pholas dactylus

Pholas dactylus

Pholas dactylus, commonly known as the common piddock, is a species of marine bivalve mollusc in the family Pholadidae. This species is native to the coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, including the British Isles and the Mediterranean Sea.

Description

Pholas dactylus is a medium-sized bivalve, typically reaching lengths of 7–10 cm. The shell is white, elongated, and cylindrical, with a rough surface. The animal has a pair of siphons at the posterior end, which it uses for feeding and respiration.

Habitat and Distribution

The common piddock is found in the North Atlantic Ocean, from the British Isles south to the Mediterranean Sea. It inhabits the lower intertidal and subtidal zones, burrowing into soft rock or clay.

Behaviour and Ecology

Pholas dactylus is a filter feeder, extracting plankton and other small particles from the water column. It is also capable of bioluminescence, producing a greenish light in response to disturbance.

Human Interaction

In some parts of its range, Pholas dactylus is collected for food. The animal's ability to bore into rock has also led to its use in bioerosion studies.

See Also

• Pholadidae
• Bivalvia
• Bioluminescence
• Bioerosion

References

• Powell, A.W.B. (1979). New Zealand Mollusca. William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand. ISBN 0-00-216906-1.
• Gofas, S.; Le Renard, J.; Bouchet, P. (2001). Mollusca, in: Costello, M.J. et al. (Ed.) (2001). European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels, 50: pp. 180-213

External Links

• World Register of Marine Species: Pholas dactylus
• SeaLifeBase: Pholas dactylus