BIOTIC Species Information for Glycymeris spp.
Researched byDr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick Data supplied byPML
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameGlycymeris spp. Common nameA bivalve mollusc
MCS CodeW1687 Recent Synonyms

PhylumMollusca Subphylum
Superclass ClassPelecypoda
Subclass OrderArcoida
Suborder FamilyGlycymerididae
GenusGlycymeris Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formBivalved
Feeding methodActive suspension feeder
Mobility/MovementBurrower
Environmental positionInfaunal
Typical food typesPhyoplankton HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityNone (< 10 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
Height Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potentialNot researched DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Tebble, 1976,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound around the Shetland Islands, the Orkneys, the south and west coasts of Britain, Northern Ireland and Blacksod Bay, Ireland.
Global distributionFound in north-west Europe from Norway to the Mediterranean and south to western Africa.
Biogeographic rangeTemperate to warm temperate. Depth range10 to 100 m.
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferencesMuddy sandy gravel
Gravelley sand
Mixed
Physiographic preferences
Biological zoneUpper Infralittoral
Lower Infralittoral
Upper Circalittoral
Lower Circalittoral
Circalittoral Offshore
Bathybenthic (Bathyal)
Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow SalinityFull (30-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Tebble, 1976, MBA, 1957,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typePermanent hermaphrodite
Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonContinuous Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span21-50 years Age at reproductive maturitySee additional information
Generation timeNot researched FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule size100 µm diameter Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodSee additional information
Duration of larval stageInsufficient information   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationAge at maturity varies from 4 years in Brest to 12-13 years in the Isle of Man. Settlement can occur at any time but successful recruitment is very occasional.
Reproduction References Fish & Fish, 1996,
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