Placunidae

Placunidae, also known as windowpane oysters, windowpane shells, and Capiz shells, are a taxonomic family of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks which are related to oysters and scallops.

Windowpane oysters
Placuna placenta shells
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Pectinida
Family: Placunidae
Rafinesque, 1815
Genus: Placuna
Lightfoot, 1786
Species
    • Placuna ephippium (Philipsson, 1788)
    • Placuna lincolnii (Gray, 1849)
    • Placuna lobata G. B. Sowerby II, 1871
    • Placuna placenta (Linnaeus, 1758)
    • Placuna quadrangula (Philipsson, 1788)[1]

This family is best known for the shells of the species Placuna placenta, which are translucent, and are commonly used in shellcraft production. In some cultures, they were used as a form of light-admitting window.[2]

The family is closely related to the Anomiidae (saddle oysters). One of the main differences is that the Placunidae do not attach themselves to a hard surface but are instead a mud-living family.

Description

Placunidae are suspension feeders, living on shallow, muddy-bottomed waters. The usually lie with the right valve downwards. The ligament is internal and forms a shallow V-shape.

Reproduction

The sexes are separate and the larval stage is free-swimming.

Cultural usage

Species in the family Placunidae are extensively collected in the Indo-West Pacific, and are cultivated or farmed in several areas.[3]

The windowpane oysters are valued for their translucent shell. The shells were originally used as a glass substitute in glazing, but nowadays they are mainly used in the manufacture of trays, lampshades and numerous decorative items.[2]

In coastal areas the flesh is eaten.

Genera and species

Genera and species within the family Placunidae include:

References
  1. MolluscaBase (2019). MolluscaBase. Placuna Lightfoot, 1786. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=206348 on 2019-03-04
  2. "Fisheries and aquaculture of window-pane shells". Malacological Society of London. Retrieved on 2011-10-23.
  3. "Bivalves"
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