Sealife guideBivalves: shellfish wonders of the oceanThe marine mollusks

Last updated on 09/02/2025 at 12:22 AM

The class of bivalves is characterized by a shell composed of two parts, called valves, which are hinged and more or less symmetrical.

The noble pen shell is a type of bivalve

The most well-known bivalves include oysters, mussels, scallops and clams.

Bivalves have a calcium carbonate shell equipped with strong muscles that can close the two valves tightly in response to external threats.

Bivalves feed by filtering water through their gills. The water current is generated by the action of tiny cilia.

Discover marine bivalves

Giant rock scallop
(Crassadoma gigantea)

Great atlantic scallop
(Pecten maximus)

Noble pen shell
(Pinna nobilis)

Spiny pink scallop
(Chlamys hastata)

Discover marine mollusks

Blue dragon nudibranch
(Pteraeolidia semperi)

Broadclub cuttlefish
(Ascarosepion latimanus)

Ocellated sea slug
(Plakobranchus ocellatus)

Spanish dancer
(Hexabranchus sanguineus)

Tiger cowrie
(Cypraea tigris)

Umbilical egg shell
(Calpurnus verrucosus)

Yellow speckled doris
(Hypselodoris godeffroyana)

Zephyr doris
(Hypselodoris zephyra)

Our latestUpdates

Friday, December 12th 2025

Christmas magic at Disney hotels

Experience the magic of Christmas at Disney hotels: enchanting decorations, giant Christmas trees, dazzling lights and a festive holiday atmosphere.

Friday, November 28th 2025

Disney Hollywood Studios, from Star Wars to Toy Story

Dive into the magical world of Disney's Hollywood Studios: Star Wars and Toy Story attractions and shows for the whole family.

Wednesday, November 19th 2025

Tenerife island

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary islands, is a volcanic gem in the Atlantic ocean. It boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from golden or black sand beaches to the subtropical forests of the Anaga mountains and the majestic Teide volcano, Spain's highest peak. With its picturesque villages, rich local culture and countless outdoor activities, Tenerife is a perfect destination for every type of traveler.

Photo of the Day

Pieuvre mimétique
(Thaumoctopus mimicus)