Scientific Name: Lamellidens jenkinsianus (W. H. Benson, 1862)
English Name: Freshwater mussel
Local/Bangla Name: ঝিনুক (jhinuk)
Photo: Ivan N. Bolotov et al, 2022
Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Unionida
Family: Unionidae
Description:
The shell is small, having a transversely elongated and thick structure, with a tumid and short rounded anterior end. The posterior side slopes, and the umbones are more distinct and convex. The dorsal margin is more arched compared to the typical form. The right valve has two cardinals, with the lower one being long, thick, and heavily built, appearing very ragged, while the upper one is usually thin. There is a single blade-like lateral and a small pad-like tooth from the inner margin of the umbo in the left valve, along with two lamellar teeth. The exterior color is brown, featuring a lighter border along the margin, while the interior is slightly white to pinkish. On average, the valve measures 71 mm in length, 37 mm in height, and 23 mm in thickness.
Habitat & Distribution in Bangladesh:
Found in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams, more abundantly near the bank and bottom of the river. It lives nearly buried in sand or sandy mud at the bottom, with only the posterior tips of their shell valves exposed and may also occur wedged in between rocks and stones, with the valves slightly spread and the two siphons exposed. Widely distributed in the freshwater habitats of Bangladesh.
Environment:
freshwater
References:
Siddiqui KU, Islam MA, Kabir SMH, Ahmad M, Ahmed ATA, Rahman AKA, Haque EU, Ahmed ZU, Begum ZNT, Hassan MA, Khondker M, Rahman MM (2007) Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh, Vol. 17. Molluscs. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka 415 pp
