Scientific Name: Novaculina gangetica W. H. Benson, 1830
English Name: Ganges clam
Local/Bangla Name: লম্বা ঝিনুক (Lomba jhinuk)
Photo: Ivan N. Bolotov et al, 2018
Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Veneroida
Family: Solecurtidae
Description:
The shell is thin and oblong, with truncated extremities and fine striations. The anterior margin is straight, while the posterior end is rounded, and the periostracum has an olivaceous color. The foot is stumpy with a disc-like flattened surface. The branchial siphons are longer and stouter than the anal siphon, and the surface of the siphons is finely ribbed but not segmented. The aperture is constricted and lacks a tentacular fringe. The exterior of the shell is brown with a lighter border along the margin, while the interior appears slightly white to dull white. On average, the shell measures approximately 47 mm in length, 16 mm in height, and 11 mm in width.
Habitat & Distribution in Bangladesh:
Found in rivers, lakes and canals. Abundant in waters containing lime. Lives nearly buried in mud or sand, with only the posterior tips of the shell valves exposed. Found in the river Padma and connected rivers and canals in 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
