Spisula elliptica

Researched By	Lizzie Tyler	Data Supplied By	University of Sheffield
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Spisula elliptica	Common name	Elliptic trough shell
MCS Code		Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Mollusca	Subphylum
Superclass		Class	Bivalvia
Subclass		Order	Veneroida
Suborder		Family	Mactridae
Genus	Spisula	Species	elliptica
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Howson & Picton, 1997, Hayward et al., 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Tebble, 1976, Fish & Fish, 1996
General Biology
Growth form		Feeding method	Passive suspension feeder, Active suspension feeder
Mobility/Movement	Burrower	Environmental position
Typical food types		Habit
Bioturbator		Flexibility
Fragility		Size	Small(1-2cm)
Height		Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potential		Dependency
Sociability
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information
Biology References	Heidi Tillin, unpub data
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland
Global distribution
Biogeographic range		Depth range	5 - 100 m
Migratory
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferences		Physiographic preferences
Biological zone		Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information
AMBI Group (Borja et al., 2000)	I
Distribution References	JNCC, 1999, NBN, 2002, Hayward et al., 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Tebble, 1976, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1990
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type		Developmental mechanism
Reproductive Season		Reproductive Location
Reproductive frequency		Regeneration potential	No
Life span		Age at reproductive maturity
Generation time		Fecundity
Egg/propagule size		Fertilization type
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Larval settlement period Duration of larval stage
Additional Information
Reproduction References	Heidi Tillin, unpub data