Class: Bivalvia

A large group of mollusks, the bivalves possess two shells or "valves" hinged in such a way as to allow the soft parts of the animal to be protected when the valves close. There are many bivalves in our region, including offshore, along our beaches and rocky shore regions, and in the bays and estuaries.

Note: Click the images below to see larger versions of them!

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Family: Limidae

Limaria hemphilli (Hertlein & A. M. Strong, 1946)

Live specimen. © P. Tuskes

Live specimen, Mission Bay, San Diego, California.
​© R. J. Waayers

Live specimen, in situ, Mission Bay, San Diego, California. © R. J. Waayers

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Family: Solenidae

Solen rosaceus Carpenter, 1864

Empty shells washed ashore on beach, Mission Bay, San Diego, California. © R. J. Waayers

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Family: Cardiidae

Dallocardia quadragenaria (Conrad, 1837)

Live specimen, in situ, Mission Bay, San Diego, California. © R. J. Waayers

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Family: Donacidae

Donax gouldii Dall, 1921

Empty valves, Coronado, California. © R. J. Waayers

Empty valves showing size and color variation.
​Coronado, California. © R. J. Waayers

Live specimens in situ in an "abundant" year. Coronado, California. © R. J. Waayers

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Family: Veneridae

Tivela stultorum (Mawe, 1823)

Empty shells on beach, Coronado, California.
​© R. J. Waayers

Series of immature specimens, found empty and washed ashore on beach, Coronado, California. © R. J. Waayers