Mollusca

Group 3: Mollusks

Mollusca

Group 3 - Shells: Phylum Mollusca is a diverse phylum that includes many well-known ocean invertebrates. Mollusca is the second largest animal phylum and the largest marine animal phylum. Mollusks make up about 23% of known marine life.

Pearl Oyster (Pinctada mazatlanica)

The Pearl Oyster (Pinctada mazatlanica) is a species prized for both its beauty and economic value, inhabiting coastal waters of the Eastern Pacific, particularly in the Gulf of California. Known for its iridescent shell and ability to produce pearls, it plays a significant role in marine aquaculture and jewelry industry. Pearl Oysters filter feed on plankton, contributing to water quality and ecosystem balance. However, overexploitation and habitat degradation pose threats to their populations. Sustainable aquaculture practices and conservation efforts aim to preserve their habitats and promote responsible pearl farming, ensuring the long-term viability of this iconic species.

Eastern Pacific giant conch (Lobatus galeatus)

The Eastern Pacific Giant Conch (Lobatus galeatus) is a remarkable mollusk species found along the coasts of Central and South America. With its large, spiral-shaped shell and striking coloration, it's a notable inhabitant of sandy seabeds and shallow coastal waters. As herbivores, they graze on algae and detritus, playing a vital role in marine ecosystems' nutrient cycling. Eastern Pacific Giant Conchs are also valued in local fisheries for their meat and shells. However, they face threats from overharvesting and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts focus on sustainable management to ensure their continued presence and ecological contribution in coastal environments.

Reef Octopus (Octopus mimus)

The Reef Octopus (Octopus mimus) is a fascinating cephalopod species found in the tropical waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly along coral reefs and rocky substrates. With its remarkable ability to change color and texture for camouflage, it's a master of disguise and stealthy predator. Using its tentacles and sharp beak, it hunts a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Despite its intelligence and agility, the Reef Octopus faces threats from habitat degradation and overfishing. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its habitats and promoting sustainable fishing practices to ensure the survival of this remarkable marine species.

Choose an Invertebrate Category

1. Sponges (Porifera)

2. Marine Worms

3. Shells (Mollusca)

4. Spiny Skins (Echinodermata)

5. Segmented Bodies (Arthropoda)

7. Cnidaria. Phylum Cnidaria consists of over 11,000 individual species of aquatic animals, including jellyfish, anemones and corals.

6. Cnidaria

5 Fun Facts - Mollusks

Fun facts Marine Mollusks

Marine mollusks are divided into several different classes. The three main classes are Gastropoda, Bivalvia and Cephalopoda. Gastropoda is the largest and most varied class of mollusks. Sea snails, nudibranchs, abalones and limpets are all marine gastropods. Bivalvia includes clams, mussels, scallop and oysters. Cephalopoda is a class of exclusively marine animals, including octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus.

Identification: There are three common features that are used to distinguish mollusks from animals in other phyla. All mollusks have a muscular foot, which varies in shape and use depending on the species.

Muscular Foot: In gastropods, the foot is on the bottom of the animal allowing the animal to suction onto hard surfaces. The foot of bivalves allows the animal to burrow into sand and sediment. The foot of cephalopods has evolved into arms or tentacles.

Arm or tentacle: The terms "arm" and "tentacle" are used interchangeably when describing cephalopods, but they can be distinguished by by the location of their suckers. The suckers on the arms run the entire length of the limb. On tentacles, the suckers are only located near the end of the limb.

Mantle: Mollusks also have a mantle, a soft, muscular structure forming the outer wall of the body protecting the internal organs and aid in respiration, excretion and sensory perception. In most mollusks species, outermost layer of the mantle will harden to create a protective shell. Or they can develop internally such as the cuttlebone of a cuttlefish.

Radulae: Finally many mollusks have radulae, bands of tiny teeth used for scraping and tearing food as it enters the mouth. Some gastropods are carnivores while others are herbivores. The radulae are generally adapted to the diet of a particular species.