Australian Lasaea

Lasaea australis

Lasaea australis - Australian Lasaea
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Size: 6 mm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Rocky coast

Depth: Mid intertidal

Lasaea australis - Australian Lasaea
Lasaea australis - Australian Lasaea

This tiny bivalve is very common on and under rocks in the intertidal zone, where it can form aggregations in crevices in the rock. It is usually whitish, with a maroon or purple tinge towards the hinge, although it can occasionally be almost entirely purple or maroon. This colouration can distinguish the species from most other small galeommatid bivalves, with the exception of Arthritica semen, which is not found on or under rocks, but in mud.