tahella

Tahella is a genus of small to medium-sized marine bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Veneridae. These clams are found in shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms of temperate and tropical seas worldwide. They are characterized by their equivalve and ovate shells, which are typically smooth or finely ribbed. The external coloration of Tahella shells can vary, often displaying shades of white, cream, yellow, or brown, and sometimes exhibiting concentric patterns or rays.

The internal surface of the shell is usually white and smooth. Tahella clams are filter feeders, using their siphons to draw in water and extract plankton and other organic particles from the surrounding sediment. They are sessile, spending most of their lives buried in the substrate. Like other venerid clams, Tahella plays a role in marine ecosystems by filtering water and serving as a food source for various predators, including crabs, fish, and shorebirds.

Several species have been described within the genus Tahella, each adapted to specific environmental conditions. While not as widely known or commercially exploited as some other bivalve families, Tahella species contribute to the biodiversity of coastal marine environments. Their presence and abundance can be indicators of the health of the seabed habitat.