Tieno

Tieno is a genus of marine bivalve molluscs belonging to the family Veneridae. These clams are characterized by their ovate to subcircular shells, which are typically equivalve and inequilateral. The external surface of the shell often exhibits concentric growth lines, and some species may also possess radial ribbing. The interior of the shell is usually smooth, with a pallial sinus that varies in depth depending on the species.

Species within the genus Tieno are found in a wide range of marine environments, from intertidal zones to deeper waters, and are distributed globally in temperate and tropical seas. They are infaunal, meaning they live buried in the sediment, typically sand or mud. Tieno clams are filter feeders, using their siphons to draw in water and strain out small organic particles for sustenance.

Reproduction in Tieno species is generally sexual, with external fertilization. Larval stages are planktonic before settling and metamorphosing into juvenile clams. While not as extensively studied as some other venerid genera, Tieno clams play a role in their ecosystems as sediment processors and as a food source for various predators. Some species may have minor commercial importance in certain regions, though they are not typically a major fishery target. The genus was first described by ichthyologist Francis de Laporte de Castelnau in 1843.