WHATSTHATFISH
Bivalves & chitons

Bearded Thorny Oyster

Spondylus squamosus

Also known as: Fork-spined Thorny Oyster, Mollusc, Orange Spiny Oyster, Oyster, Spiny Oyster

Adult
@fishx6 · Mirihi Island Resort, Maldives · February 20071 / 3
01

Overview

Found attached to dead corals, rocks, and shell debris, over intertidal zones to deeper waters. Has a pure white shell and double forked spines.

Most Bivalves are permanently anchored in fissures or depressions in the rock surface of the reef, some may become covered in algae and other marine life.
Other Bivalves swim free, either by a well developed foot or propelled along by a jet of water from their mantle cavity.

02

How to identify

Body shape
tentacles

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

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Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-West Pacific
  • Country only · 3
LIVES IN

Found attached to dead corals, rocks, and shell debris, over intertidal zones to deeper waters.

04

Adult photos 3

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Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumMollusca
    3. classBivalvia
    4. orderPectinida
    5. familySpondylidae
    6. genusSpondylus
    7. speciesSpondylus squamosus Schreibers, 1793

    SourcesWoRMSWikipedia

    07

    More in the family

    Pectinida