Pygmy Date Shell

Solemya velesiana

Sea Life Endemic IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

A smaller species than it's relatives it features a thin fragile shell with a dark periostracum covering the shell and extending beyound the shells margin forming a fragile film like fringe around the shell.

This brown fringe often splits and brakes and is easy to damage. This species is not often found with only a limited few records of this species logged.

Size

Shell can grow up to around 10mm across

Habitat

In sandy silt with relatively low levels of free sulphide

Distribution

Western and eastern Australia including Tasmania

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (4)
  1. MolluscaBase eds. (2021). MolluscaBase. Solemya velesiana Iredale, 1931. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species (accessed 2021-11-11 09:14:13)
  2. Grove, S.J. (2018). A Guide to the Seashells and other Marine Molluscs of Tasmania web-site (accessed 2021-11-11 09:15:12)
  3. Boyd, S., 2011, Little Solemya, Solemya velesiana, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria (accessed 2021-11-11 09:16:43)
  4. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-11-11 09:17:25)

Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © wildroo

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.