Tellinids

Tellinids are a family of saltwater clams, belonging to the order Venerida. These bivalve mollusks are characterized by their equivalve shells, meaning both shells are of equal size and shape, and their ovate to elongate form. A distinctive feature of many tellinid species is the presence of a sulcus, a groove or indentation, on the posterior side of each valve. This sulcus aids in the retraction of the siphons, which are used for feeding and respiration. Tellinids are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates from intertidal zones to considerable depths. They are deposit feeders, using their long, extensible siphons to draw in detritus and other organic matter from the sediment surface. The family Tellinidae is quite diverse, with numerous genera and species exhibiting a wide range of shell colors and patterns. Some common genera include Tellina, Macoma, and Angulus. While often not of significant commercial importance, their presence is an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems, and they play a role in benthic food webs.