Unelli

Unelli is a genus of marine bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Veneridae. These clams are characterized by their ovate to subquadrate shells, which are typically solid and often ornamented with concentric lines or ridges. The exterior of Unelli shells can vary in color, commonly exhibiting shades of white, gray, brown, or yellow, and may feature distinct patterns. The interior surface is usually smooth.

Species within the Unelli genus are found in marine environments, inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates in coastal waters. They are widespread, with a distribution that includes various regions across the globe. Like other venerid clams, Unelli are filter feeders, drawing water into their shells to extract plankton and other organic particles. They play a role in their ecosystems by contributing to water filtration and serving as a food source for other marine animals.

Reproduction in Unelli follows the typical bivalve pattern of external fertilization. Larval stages are planktonic before settling to the seabed to mature. The specific ecological importance and interactions of different Unelli species can vary depending on their habitat and local environmental conditions. While not as widely recognized as some other bivalve groups, Unelli represent a significant component of benthic marine communities.