FAUNA Paraguay Gallery of Freshwater Bivalve (Bivalvia) Images
Bivalves are laterally-compressed molluscs enclosed within a pair of shells. Most species are sessile(permanently attached to a substrate) or burrow into the substrate and have a greatly reduced head. The head organs are usually replaced with simple tentacles. The shell valves are attached dorsally along the midline and open thanks to an elastic ligament. Adductor muscles actively close the shell which possesses a catch-fibre mechanism to avoid excessive energy expenditure. The fleshy body is totally enclosed within the shell and when the adductor muscles relax the shell opens and allows water entry for feeding and respiration.
THIS PAGE IS IN CONSTRUCTION
We are just beginning with the study of invertebrates in Paraguay and will soon start an extensive inventory of the bivalves. We do however desperately need the assistance of an expert willing to help us identify the images - obviously we understand that identification to species level will not always be possible from a photograph, but if you are willing to give it a go please contact us!
Designed by Paul Smith 2006. This website is copyrighted by law. Material contained herewith may not be used without the prior written permission of FAUNA Paraguay. Photographs on this web-site were taken by Paul Smith, Hemme Batjes, Regis Nossent,
Alberto Esquivel, Arne Lesterhuis, Rebbeca Zarza, José Luis Cartes and Hugo del Castillo and are used with their permission.
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FIGURE 1 - Freshwater Mussel - Bahía de Asunción, Departamento Central (Paul Smith October 2007).
