Angelwing
ExploreInvertebrate
Angelwing
Cyrtopleura costata
The Angelwing is a beautiful shell that looks like an angel's wing! It lives in the ocean and is often found on sandy beaches. Its unique shape makes it a favorite for collectors.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Angelwing has a thin, delicate, pure white shell shaped like a bird's wing. Its elongated, fan-like appearance and prominent radiating ribs make it distinctive among bivalves, often with serrated edges.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderMyidaFamilyPholadidaeGenusCyrtopleura
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Did you know Angelwings can live for over 10 years deep in the sand?
Sometimes, two Angelwing shells are found still hinged together!
Their shells have tiny spikes that help them grip the sand!
Wow, this clam can burrow faster than you can dig a hole!
Special abilities
Ability
Burrowing Master
Angelwing can rapidly burrow into sand using its muscular foot, helping it hide from predators.
Ability
Shell Shield
Angelwing has a fragile but strong shell that protects its soft body from damage and predators.
Ability
Filter Feeder
Angelwing can filter tiny food particles from the water using its specialized siphons, helping it get nutrients.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10 cm
- Shell Thickness
- 0.5 mm
- Depth
- 1 m
Diet & Feeding
This amazing clam filters tiny bits of food from ocean water.
Primary Foods
- phytoplankton
- zooplankton
- detritus
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Oyster Drill
Urosalpinx cinerea
Snails drill into shells to eat the clam.
eaten by
Blue Crab
Callinectes sapidus
Crabs can crush shells to eat the soft clam inside.
depends on
Turtle Grass
Thalassia testudinum
Lives in sediments stabilized by seagrass roots.
Traits
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful when picking up shells; some can be sharp or have small creatures inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Angelwing?
10 cm
How big is Angelwing?
0.5 mm
What does Angelwing eat?
This amazing clam filters tiny bits of food from ocean water.
Where is Angelwing usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Angelwing hunt?
Filter Feeding
How deep can Angelwing go?
1 m
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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