Common name: Bivalves

Bivalvia, commonly known as bivalves, includes a diverse group of aquatic mollusks characterized by their two-part hinged shells. These shells are made up of calcium carbonate and are typically symmetrical, protecting the soft-bodied organism inside. Bivalves are found in a variety of aquatic environments, from freshwater rivers and lakes to the salty depths of the ocean. They play significant roles in their ecosystems, such as filtering water and providing habitat structures.

In the aquarium hobby, certain bivalve species like clams and mussels are appreciated for their ability to filter water, which can help maintain water quality. However, keeping bivalves in a home aquarium requires careful attention to their specific needs. They generally need stable water conditions, including appropriate salinity, temperature, and pH levels, as well as adequate calcium to support shell growth. Additionally, bivalves are filter feeders, so they require a diet of phytoplankton or suspended organic material, which may necessitate supplemental feeding in an aquarium setting.

Bivalves exhibit fascinating biological traits, such as the ability to produce pearls, a process that occurs when an irritant becomes trapped inside the shell and is coated with layers of nacre. Some species, like scallops, possess the unique ability to swim by clapping their shells together, a behavior not commonly seen in other bivalves. The diversity within Bivalvia is immense, with species varying greatly in size, shape, and ecological function, making them an intriguing subject for both hobbyists and scientists alike.

1. Common name: flag pen shell

   Scientific name: Atrina vexillum
2. 
   Common name: Electric Flame Scallop

   Scientific name: Ctenoides ales
3. 
   Common name: Smooth Flame Scallop

   Scientific name: Ctenoides mitis
4. 
   Common name: Flame Scallop

   Scientific name: Ctenoides scaber
5. 
   Common name: Bear paw clam

   Scientific name: Hippopus hippopus
6. Common name: China clam

   Scientific name: Hippopus porcellanus
7. 
   Common name: Spiny File Clam

   Scientific name: Lima lima
8. 
   Common name: Fragile File Clam

   Scientific name: Limaria fragilis
9. 
   Common name: Variable Thorny Oyster

   Scientific name: Spondylus varius
10. 
    Common name: crocus giant clam

    Scientific name: Tridacna crocea
11. 
    Common name: Southern giant clam

    Scientific name: Tridacna derasa
12. 
    Common name: Giant clam

    Scientific name: Tridacna gigas
13. 
    Common name: Small giant clam

    Scientific name: Tridacna maxima
14. Common name: Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Scientific name: Tridacna mbalavuana
15. 
    Common name: Fluted giant clam

    Scientific name: Tridacna squamosa