© Bernard PictonCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
Queen Scallop
Aequipecten opercularis
Giant Thorny Oyster
Spondylus varius
- Max size
- View in app
- Max depth
- 30 m
- Found in
- 68 regions
How to recognise it
- Colours
- whiteblackbrownyelloworangebluepurple
Spondylus varius is a species of large saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Spondylidae, the thorny oysters.
Description
Sphondylus varius is the largest of the spiny oysters, reaching a maximum size of about 20 cm. Aside from the size, the shell is easily recognisable because its adult part is white, but a colourful (usually crimson, but it can be yellow) prodissoconch is clearly visible at the apical end.
Ecology
It lives at a depths of 30 m, and like most bivalves, is a filter-feeder, using plankton as a food source.
Distribution
This species can be found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and off Australia, China, the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan.
Similar species
© Bernard PictonCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist Questions
Is Giant Thorny Oyster dangerous?
Giant Thorny Oyster has no known danger to humans. However, always observe marine life responsibly.
Where can you find Giant Thorny Oyster?
How deep does Giant Thorny Oyster live?
Giant Thorny Oyster can be found at depths of up to 30 meters.
