Dipinnula

Dipinnula is a genus of small, marine bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Veneridae. The genus was first described by the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1819. Dipinnula species are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 1 to 3 centimeters in length, and their distinctive shell shape. The shells are inequivalved, meaning the two valves are not identical, with the left valve being larger and more convex than the right valve. The hinge of the shell is composed of two cardinal teeth and two lateral teeth, which are characteristic features of the family Veneridae.

Dipinnula species are found in shallow marine environments, typically in sandy or muddy substrates. They are often associated with seagrass beds and other marine vegetation. The genus is known to include several species, with the most well-known being Dipinnula pectinata. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Australia, and is known for its distinctive shell shape and the presence of a prominent pectinate structure on the left valve.

The biology and ecology of Dipinnula species are not well understood, and further research is needed to fully understand their life history and ecological roles. However, it is known that they are filter feeders, using their siphons to filter food particles from the water. They are also known to be hermaphroditic, with both male and female reproductive organs present in each individual.

Dipinnula species are of interest to both scientists and collectors due to their distinctive shell shape and the unique ecological roles they may play in their marine environments. However, their small size and limited distribution make them relatively rare and difficult to study. Further research is needed to fully understand the biology and ecology of this interesting genus of marine bivalves.