Chlamydatias

Chlamydatias is a genus of marine bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Chlamydidae. These clams are characterized by their fan-shaped shells, which are typically adorned with radial ribs. The right valve is usually more convex than the left. Chlamydatias species are found in marine environments worldwide, often inhabiting shallow waters and sandy or muddy substrates.

These bivalves are filter feeders, drawing water into their mantle cavity and extracting food particles. Like other scallops, Chlamydatias can exhibit a degree of mobility, using jets of water expelled from their shells to propel themselves away from predators or to reposition themselves on the seabed. The common name "scallop" is often used broadly to include members of this genus.

Reproduction in Chlamydatias typically involves external fertilization, with individuals releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. The resulting larvae are planktonic for a period before settling to the seabed and metamorphosing into juvenile clams. The life cycle and reproductive strategies can vary among different species within the genus.

While some species of Chlamydatias may be of minor commercial interest for consumption, they are not as widely exploited as some other scallop genera. Their ecological role as filter feeders and prey for various marine animals is significant in their respective habitats.