Spondylus versicolor BIRUG 19177

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BIRUG 19177 is a modern, non-fossilized specimen of the colorful bivalve Spondylus versicolor. Members of this genus securely attach themselves to underwater surfaces and in many species, including this one, they even cement themselves to corals. Since these bivalves have a stationary mode of life, they feed by filtering water and often develop defensive spines to protect against predators. Uncommonly among bivalves, members of the Spondylus genus possess relatively sophisticated eyes, each containing a cornea, lens, and retina as well as other essential elements. These complex eyes are found on short stalks, extending from the edges of the mantle and connecting to the main nervous ganglia that houses multiple organs for processing visual information (Viana & Rocha-Barreira, 2007). To learn more about bivalves, visit: ucmp.berkeley.edu/taxa/inverts/mollusca/bivalvia.php This specimen was generously donated to the Lapworth by Sir George H. Holcroft in 1916. It was digitized using an Artec Spider 3D scanner expertly operated by Andrew Jones.