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!
Family: Limidae
Limaria hemphilli (Hertlein & A. M. Strong, 1946)
Live specimen, in situ, Mission Bay, San Diego, California. © R. J. Waayers
Family: Solenidae
Solen rosaceus Carpenter, 1864
Empty shells washed ashore on beach, Mission Bay, San Diego, California. © R. J. Waayers
Family: Cardiidae
Dallocardia quadragenaria (Conrad, 1837)
Live specimen, in situ, Mission Bay, San Diego, California. © R. J. Waayers
Family: Donacidae
Donax gouldii Dall, 1921
Live specimens in situ in an "abundant" year. Coronado, California. © R. J. Waayers
Family: Veneridae
Tivela stultorum (Mawe, 1823)