Spondylus versicolor BIRUG 19177

3D Model

BIRUG 19177 is a recent (i.e. non-fossil) specimen of the bivalve Spondylus versicolor. Members of the genus Spondylus cement themselves to the substrate, and in many species (as is the case here) to corals. As these bivalves have a sessile (static) mode of life, they engage in filter-feeding and commonly possess defensive spines to avoid predation.

Unusually among bivalves, members of the genus Spondylus possess relatively complex eyes, each containing a cornea, lens and retina to name but a few elements. These eyes are found on short stalks, projecting from the margins of the mantle and connect to the main nervous ganglia which is furnished with multiple organs for the processing of visual stimuli (Viana & Rocha-Barreira, 2007).

For more information on bivalves go to: ucmp.berkeley.edu/taxa/inverts/mollusca/bivalvia.php

This specimen was donated to the Lapworth by Sir George H. Holcroft in 1916. It was digitised using an Artec Spider 3D scanner by A Jones.