|
|
MYTILIDAE |
|
|
|
Trichomya hirsuta (Lamarck, 1819) Description: Shape equivalve, inequilateral, elongate, with umbo at anterior end; variable in shape between specimens. Dorsal margin slightly convex; postero-dorsal end extended, broadly rounded. Hinge with a few rounded knobs, merging into crenulations around whole shell margin except for byssal gape. Ligament long. Interior scars of posterior pedal retractor muscle and adductor muscle combined to give a single elongate scar posteriorly. Exterior with fine radial riblets. Colour of exterior brown to bluish black; interior white to purplish black, iridescent. Periostracum thin, dark brown, covered with dense, hairs that are serrated on only one side and readily fall off dead shells. Size: Up to 78 mm in length. Distribution: Known from Port Douglas, Qld, southwards and around southern Australia, to Ceduna, South Australia, and possibly further west; also Tasmania. Habitat: Abundant in dense aggregations in estuaries at lower tidal level. Comparison: Similarly sculptured to Brachidontes rostratus but distinguished by the dense, hairy periostracum. Remarks: The shell of this species varies in shape depending on the degree of crowding when growing. Fig.1: Port Jackson, Sydney, NSW (C.089955) |
|
