What is anatinus?

Anatinus is a genus of bivalves belonging to the family Tellinidae, commonly known as tellins or sunrise shells. These small to medium-sized marine clams are characterised by their oval shells that are slightly elongate and flattened. Anatinus species typically dwell in sandy or muddy substrates of shallow coastal waters in tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Here are some additional details about Anatinus:

Habitat and Distribution:

- Anatinus clams are mainly found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.

- They live in shallow coastal ecosystems, often in sheltered bays, estuaries, and mangrove areas.

- Preferred environments include sandy or muddy bottoms or seagrass meadows.

Shell Structure:

- Tellin shells have two equal halves or valves connected by a flexible ligament along the dorsal side.

- The valves are solid and composed of Calcium Carbonate.

- Shells generally range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres long.

Feeding and Behaviour:

- Anatinus species are filter feeders, extracting microscopic food particles from the water.

- They extend their siphons from the shell to draw in water and filter suspended plankton, organic detritus, and microalgae.

Economic Importance:

- Some Anatinus species have commercial significance in various parts of the world.

- They are occasionally harvested for human consumption and may appear in local markets.

- In certain regions, certain Anatinus species may be of conservation concern due to habitat loss or overexploitation.

- It's worth noting that classification and specific characteristics may vary among the genus due to multiple Anatinus species with differing traits and distributional ranges.