Mediterranean shells
â—? The Malacology is the science that studies Mediterranean shells,
which are biological and rigid structures that protect nce that studies mollusks. We can talk about and support the soft-bodied animals without skeletons. They are composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and are composed of three layers: the outer (periostracum), the median (ostracum), the inner (ipostracum).
â—? The different colours are determined
by the substances produced by mollusks in the formation of the shell. The different ornamentations are given by different intensities of secretion of calcium carbonate. The shell is derived from the secretion made by the mantle, a fold of skin that covers the body mollusks.
â—? Our Mediterranean sea is rich of Gasteropodi univalve and
bivalve.
â—? Patella ferruginea â—? It is undoubtedly, the most beautiful and the most popular in our sea. It is able to
reach maximum dimensions of about 9 cm. This particular species can live out of water.
● Gibbula nivosa ● There are about 25 species of Gibbula in the Mediterranean, they are all common in this area, except for Gibbula nivosa, because it is only found in the island of Malta. It is about 8 mm in diameter and it lives in deep waters.
● Luria lurida ● It is the most common among “ the Mediterranean Cypree “ and it can also reach
maximum dimensions of about 5 cm. They are brown and violet. They live in deep waters.
● Mitra zonata ● It was considered, until the 70’s, one of the most rare species of the Mediterranean
sea. The dimensions are very large, over 8 cm. It lives in muddy places.
● Tonna galea ● It is one of the biggest and rare of Mediterranean ‘’Gasteropodi’’. It has a spinal
ribbing in its surface, a big muzzle with a slight and dentate lip. Tonna galea has really large dimensions !
â—? Ranella olearia â—? It is a huge species. It has deep sutures of circles, rich of spinal cords and tubercles,
a round muzzle with an opened sifon.
â—? Pinna nobilis â—? It is the biggest shell in the Mediterranean sea and it is in danger of disappearing.
Pinna Nobilis (clam) can reach 80 cm of height. Inside, it is mother of pearl, with grey and light blue shades. Outside it is less flashy.
â—? Mytilus galloprovincialis ( mussels ) â—? It is a mollusk with gills which absorb oxygen for breathing and
holding the food supply . The valve is externally black or black purple, with circles, internally is pearl color , but with a smooth surface. The two valves are held together by a hinge with three or four teeth . This species is sold in fish markets .
â—? Lentidium mediterraneum â—? It is a bivalve minimum size ( about 1 cm ) of triangular shape.
The color ranges from white to yellow to pink. It lives on sandy bottoms at very low depth.
â—? Mactra stultorum â—? It is a thin shell almost opaque and slightly glossy, brilliant . The
surface is composed of numerous very fine striae and irregular , stronger towards the ventral edge . The color can vary from white to yellow to gray . The species lives in the depths sunken sandy - muddy .
● Musculista senhousia ● It is a bivalve shell with relatively light and fragile , of reduced
dimensions. Especially in young fish can be seen that the narrow -band radial fan out towards the corner from back – panel umbron.
Dreams are like shells, we should pick them up and listen to their voice.