Panopea generosa - is one of the largest and most famous species of mollusks in the Panopeidae family, found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly in western North America. It is known for its huge shell and durability, and is often the target of fisheries and aquaculture.
Classification
• The Kingdom: Animalia
• Type: Mollusca
• Class: Bivalvia
• Row: Ostreoida
• Family.: Panopeidae
• Gender: Panopea
• View: Panopea generosa
Appearance
📏 Sizes
- Length: up to 30 cm
- Weight: up to 2.7 kg
🎨 Features
- Large, durable sinks with a smooth or slightly rough surface
- Color varies from white-yellow to brown, depending on the environment
- The sink has an asymmetrical shape with a large upper part and a narrow end
Range and habitat
🌍 Area
- Coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, from Canada to southern California (USA)
- Mainly found at depths of 1 to 50 meters
🌊 Environment.
- It lives in sandy and muddy soils, where it burrows to a depth of 1 meter
- Natural environment with moderately cold waters
Behavior and nutrition
🍽️ Ration
- A filter that feeds on plankton, organic particles and algae that enter its processing unit through its gills
🧠 Behavior
- Spends most of its life burrowing in the soil, which gives it protection from predators
- The mollusk can move within its territories by slithering
Reproduction
- Reproduction occurs by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, where external fertilization takes place
- The eggs turn into larvae, which settle to the bottom after maturation and become adult mollusks
Protection status
📉 Protection status:
- The species does not have a specific IUCN status, but populations may be threatened due to its industrial use
- Changes in ecosystems and fishing can affect species numbers
Interesting facts
✔️ Panopea generosa - one of the largest members of the Panopeidae family, can live for more than 100 years
✔️ This mollusk is an important component of the ecosystem, filtering water and improving its quality
✔️ Widely used in cooking, in particular for seafood dishes
Conclusion
Panopea generosa - is a huge mollusk with powerful shells that plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of coastal waters. Its longevity and economic value make this species important for research and industrial use.
