Sphaerium nucleus
Species of bivalve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sphaerium nucleus is a freshwater bivalve of the family Sphaeriidae. It has been often confused with Sphaerium corneum and is consequently quite poorly known.[1]
| Sphaerium nucleus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Sphaeriida |
| Family: | Sphaeriidae |
| Genus: | Sphaerium |
| Species: | S. nucleus |
| Binomial name | |
| Sphaerium nucleus | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Description
Sphaerium nucleus is a very small bivalve which may grow up to 8mm in width and length. It differs from Sphaerium corneum only in details. Like almost all bivalves, it is a filter-feeder.
Taxonomy
Sphaerium nucleus was described by Studer 1820, who placed it in the genus Cyclas. It was later thought to be a subspecies of Sphaerium corneum. Subsequently it was raised to a full species again as Sphaerium nucleus (Studer, 1820) due to its having a different form of kidney, and the shell having a broad hinge plate, dense porosity and more tumid shells with broad umbones. Unlike S. corneum it has a preference for temporary habitats.[3]
Distribution
Ecology
This species lives in standing freshwater habitats, specifically in swampy conditions in drainage ditches and occasionally in lake margins, including temporary lakes.[1]
