Size: shell size between up to 270 mm

 

Key Features: It has two valves connected by a long straight hinge. The length of the shell is slightly greater than its width, and the latter is about 85% of the length of the hinge. The right valve is flatter than the left and there are hinge teeth in both valves. The anterior ear is larger than that in other members of the genus and there is a slit-like notch for the byssus threads to pass through at the junction of the ear and the rest of the shell. The posterior ear is large. The outer surface of the valves is scaly and reddish or golden brown with pale radiating streaks. The inner surface of the valve is lined with a thick layer of golden-yellow nacre with a metallic sheen.

 

Diet: feeds on plankton.

 

Habitat:  found mostly on reef walls in strong currents.

 

Conservation status: Not Evaluated

 

Distribution in th GoK: reported along the coast ofGandiya kadu, Panero, Ajad, Dedeka-Mundeka, Kalubhar and Beyt Dwarka region.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Pinctada fucata. In Reeflex , the Marine Aquarium Encyclopedia. Retrieved on June 16, 2014 from http://www.reeflex.net/tiere/1015_Pinctada_margaritifera.htm

 

 "Pearl culture in India: Taxonomy and Distribution". Pearl oyster farming and pearl culture. F A O. Retrieved on June 16th, 2014 from http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/ab726e/ab726e02.htm