minutula

Minutula is a genus of small, bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Lasaeidae. These tiny marine clams are found in shallow coastal waters and are characterized by their exceptionally small size, typically measuring only a few millimeters in length. Their shells are generally thin and fragile, often ovate or circular in shape. The surface of the shell can be smooth or exhibit fine concentric growth lines. The external coloration varies but is often pale, ranging from white to light brown or gray.

Minutula species are often found living in association with other marine organisms, such as sponges, corals, or seagrasses, where they may attach themselves or live interstitially. They are filter feeders, drawing water into their shells to extract plankton and other small organic particles. Their life cycle and reproductive strategies are typical of many bivalves, though specific details can vary between species. These small clams play a role in the benthic ecosystem, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for small predators. Due to their diminutive size and often cryptic habitats, minutula are not frequently encountered by casual observers and are primarily of interest to marine biologists and malacologists. The genus is distributed in various marine environments worldwide.