Placunidae

Taxobox
name = Placunidae


image_width = 200px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Bivalvia
ordo = Ostreoida
subordo =
superfamilia =
familia = Placunidae
Gray 1842
subdivision_ranks = Genera
subdivision = See text.The Placunidae (Windowpane shells) are a family of marine bivalves, related to Oysters and Scallops.

The family is closely related to the Anomiidae (saddle oysters), one of the main differences being that the Placunidae do not attach themselves to a hard surface - instead they are a mud-living family.

Description

Windowpane shells are suspension feeders, ling on shallow, muddy-bottomed waters. The usually lie with the right valve downwards. The ligament is internal and forms a shallow V-shape.

Reproduction

The sexes are separate and the larval stage is free-swimming.

Cultural usage

Species in the family Placunidae are extensively collected in the Indo-West Pacific, and are cultivated or farmed in several areas. [http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:jYAmdz9-iwQJ:ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/w7191e/w7191e19.pdf+Placunidae&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=11] They are valued for their translucent shell.

The shells were originally used as a glass substitute in glazing, but nowadays they are mainly used in the manufacture of trays, lampshades and numerous decorative items.

In coastal areas the flesh is eaten.

Taxonomy

* "Placuna" Lightfoot 1786
** "Placuna ephippium"
** "Placuna lobata"
** "Placuna placenta" Linnaeus 1758
** "Placuna sella" Gmelin 1791
* "Placunomia" Broderip 1842