Heart clam
Introduction: The almost perfectly round shell of the heart clam (Dosinia lupinus orbignyi) has a heart-shaped depression extending across the valves in front of the hinge. Heart clams burrow in sub-tidal sands. The siphons are often triple the length of the shell.
Distribution: Throughout Namibian coastal waters including Terrace Bay, Torra Bay, Henties Bay, Jakkalsputz, Wlozkasbaken, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Diet: Filter-feeds by sucking water through an inhalant siphon through sheet-like gills before expelling the waste through an exhalant siphon.
Colouration: White shell
Breeding: Sperm and eggs develop into planktonic larvae once they have been ejected into the water.
Max size: 50mm
.png?width=67&height=40&name=Navigate%20Namibia-03%20(1).png){kind=small}