|
< Previous family introduction |
|
|||||
|
|
Family Astartidae Astartids
|
|||||
|
The Astatidae is a numerically small family of only about 50 species. It occurs mainly in the cold waters of the northern hemisphere, but there a few, small, tropical Caribbean species. The family has only recently been recognised in Australia with the incorporation of the genus Bathycorbis into the family. Family Reference Huber’s Compendium of Bivalves treats the family worldwide, but was published before Bathycorbus was regarded as belonging in the family. Coverage The single NSW representative of the family is detailed here. Identification Notes The single NSW species shows characteristics of the family - strong commarginal sculpture, a hinge with two strong cardinal teeth in the left valve and one in the right, and a strongly denticulate ventral shell margin.
|
