Gustav's Ctenocardia
Ctenocardia gustavi
Ctenocardia gustavi is a subtidal infaunal bivalve found offshore in the Pilbara area. This species was previously confused with C. fornicata because of the close similarity in morphological features.
Morphology
It is a small to medium sized (15-25 mm length) and solid, quite quadrate or square with 39-45 ribs with low flattened radial ribs bearing minute, densely placed and strongly arched lamellae or variable strength. Exterior cream with irregularly placed pale purple and yellowish spots. Interior color variable often white or with purple to orange umbonal ray on posterior, sometimes with two reddish brown rays.
Evolution
Little is known about the relationship of this species to other members of the genus.
Behaviour
This species, like all cardiids, is shallowly infaunal and will reburrow if disturbed. It is related to photosymbiotic fragines but is not itself photosymbiotic.
Method of reproduction
Broadcast spawner.
Habitat
Marine
Subtidal infaunal in coarse sand, silt
Distribution
It is a wide ranging Indo-west Pacific species. In Western Australia, the distribution of C. gustavi is now clarified as being restricted to offshore shoals and atolls and it is currently known from Hibernia, Ashmore, Scott and Seringapatam reefs.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Subclass: | Heterodonta |
| Superorder: | Imparidentia |
| Superfamily: | Cardioidea |
| Family: | Cardiidae |
| Genus: | Ctenocardia |
| Species: | gustavi |
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Vidal & Kirkendale |
|---|---|
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Ctenocardia-gustavi
Accessed 2 Sep 2025
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