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Isognomon
californicum
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Description: Isognomon
californicum are bivalves. They are black and grow
on anything stationary. They have a rough outside
but are pearly inside and grow in clusters. They
grow up to 1 1/2 inches in height and are thin and flat.
They attach to rocks or stationary objects by their byssal
threads.
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Habitat: Isognomon
californicum live in crevices around the high tide line.
They usually live in brackish water and are most abundant
on Maui and the Big Island.
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Range
(include invasive, native, endemic): Isognomon
californicum are currently listed as being endemic to the
intertidals of Hawaii.
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Trophic
information: Isognomon
californicum eat by filtering microscopic plants and animals
through their gills. The food particles are removed
from their gills by a pair of palps and are then moved to
the mouth inside the shell. Isognomon californicum
can be eaten by birds, crabs and humans.
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Safety: Isognomon californicum may have sharp shells so be careful when walking along the intertidals. For safety wear footwear, preferably covered shoes, that will prevent your feet from being cut. To prevent slipping onto a batch of Isognomon, wear footwear with grip. Also do not eat Isognomon californicum that are in questionable waters because toxins can be stored through filtering.
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Comments: When
out looking for Isognomon californicum, it may be a good
idea to bring a chisel to help pry them off of where they
have grown. They establish a connection by Isognomon
californicum were named incorrectly. They are not
actually found in California, but are believed to be endemic
to Hawaii.
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Links
to Resources: Reef Education Network: Cockles, Mussels, Clams, Oysters info.
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