Tegillarca granosa: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:15, 21 February 2025

Species of bivalve mollusc

Tegillarca granosa, commonly known as the blood cockle, is a species of bivalve mollusc in the family Arcidae. It is found in the intertidal zones of the Indo-Pacific region and is notable for its reddish blood, which contains hemoglobin.

Description[edit]

Tegillarca granosa has a thick, rounded shell with prominent radial ribs. The shell is typically white or light brown, often with darker concentric bands. The interior of the shell is smooth and white. The species is named for its distinctive red blood, which is due to the presence of hemoglobin, a rarity among bivalves.

Distribution and Habitat[edit]

Tegillarca granosa is distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. It inhabits intertidal mudflats and estuaries, where it burrows into the sediment. The species is tolerant of a wide range of salinities and is often found in brackish waters.

Ecology[edit]

Tegillarca granosa plays a significant role in the ecosystem as a filter feeder, helping to maintain water quality by filtering out plankton and organic particles. It is preyed upon by various predators, including birds, fish, and humans.

Economic Importance[edit]

The blood cockle is an important species for aquaculture and is harvested extensively in many countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. It is a popular food item and is consumed in various forms, such as raw, boiled, or as an ingredient in dishes.

Culinary Uses[edit]

In Korean cuisine, Tegillarca granosa is known as kkomak and is used in various dishes. It is often served as kkomak-muchim, a spicy marinated dish. The cockles are also enjoyed in other Asian cuisines, where they are appreciated for their unique flavor and texture.

Conservation[edit]

While Tegillarca granosa is not currently listed as endangered, overharvesting and habitat destruction pose threats to its populations. Sustainable management practices are essential to ensure the long-term viability of this species.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Tegillarca granosa''' is a species of [[bivalve]] belonging to the family [[Arcidae]]. This species is also commonly known as the [[Blood Cockle]] or [[Blood Clam]] because of the red haemoglobin liquid inside the soft tissues. It is a popular seafood in Southeast Asia and is consumed in many other parts of the world.
+{{short description|Species of bivalve mollusc}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Tegillarca granosa
+| image = Tegillarca_granosa_(MNHN-IM-2009-2370).jpeg
+| image_caption = Shell of ''Tegillarca granosa''
+| regnum = [[Animalia]]
+| phylum = [[Mollusca]]
+| classis = [[Bivalvia]]
+| ordo = [[Arcida]]
+| familia = [[Arcidae]]
+| genus = ''[[Tegillarca]]''
+| species = '''''T. granosa'''''
+| binomial = ''Tegillarca granosa''
+| binomial_authority = ([[Linnaeus]], 1758)
+}}
-== Description ==
+'''''Tegillarca granosa''''', commonly known as the blood cockle, is a species of [[bivalve]] mollusc in the family [[Arcidae]]. It is found in the intertidal zones of the Indo-Pacific region and is notable for its reddish blood, which contains [[hemoglobin]].
-Tegillarca granosa is a relatively large bivalve species, with a maximum shell length of approximately 5 cm. The shell is solid and heavy, with a rounded shape and a slightly inflated appearance. The exterior of the shell is typically a dull grey or brown colour, while the interior is often a shiny white or cream colour.
-== Distribution and Habitat ==
+==Description==
-Tegillarca granosa is widely distributed in the coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific region, including the coasts of India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and northern Australia. It inhabits intertidal zones and prefers sandy or muddy substrates. The species is tolerant of a wide range of salinities and temperatures, which contributes to its wide distribution.
+[[File:Tegillarca_granosa_01.jpg|thumb|right|''Tegillarca granosa'' shells]]
+''Tegillarca granosa'' has a thick, rounded shell with prominent radial ribs. The shell is typically white or light brown, often with darker concentric bands. The interior of the shell is smooth and white. The species is named for its distinctive red blood, which is due to the presence of hemoglobin, a rarity among bivalves.
-== Ecology and Behaviour ==
+==Distribution and Habitat==
-Tegillarca granosa is a filter feeder, extracting plankton and other small organisms from the water column. It is also known to be a deposit feeder, ingesting sediment and extracting organic matter. The species has a relatively slow growth rate and a long lifespan, with individuals known to live for up to 30 years.
+[[File:Anhai_Bay_-_DSCF8875.JPG|thumb|left|Anhai Bay, a habitat for ''Tegillarca granosa'']]
+''Tegillarca granosa'' is distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. It inhabits intertidal mudflats and estuaries, where it burrows into the sediment. The species is tolerant of a wide range of salinities and is often found in brackish waters.
-== Human Use ==
+==Ecology==
-Tegillarca granosa is harvested for food in many parts of its range. It is a popular seafood in Southeast Asia, where it is often steamed, boiled, or used in soups. However, the species has been associated with several foodborne illnesses, due to its habit of ingesting sediment and the potential for bioaccumulation of harmful substances.
+''Tegillarca granosa'' plays a significant role in the ecosystem as a filter feeder, helping to maintain water quality by filtering out plankton and organic particles. It is preyed upon by various predators, including birds, fish, and humans.
-== Conservation ==
+==Economic Importance==
-While Tegillarca granosa is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, overharvesting and habitat degradation pose significant threats to the species. Efforts are being made to manage and conserve populations of this species, including the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of sustainable harvesting practices.
+[[File:Blood_cockle_total_production_thousand_tonnes_1950-2022.svg|thumb|right|Global production of blood cockles]]
+The blood cockle is an important species for aquaculture and is harvested extensively in many countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. It is a popular food item and is consumed in various forms, such as raw, boiled, or as an ingredient in dishes.
+==Culinary Uses==
+[[File:Kkomak_(Tegillarca_granosa).jpg|thumb|left|''Kkomak'', a dish made with ''Tegillarca granosa'']]
+In [[Korean cuisine]], ''Tegillarca granosa'' is known as ''kkomak'' and is used in various dishes. It is often served as ''kkomak-muchim'', a spicy marinated dish. The cockles are also enjoyed in other Asian cuisines, where they are appreciated for their unique flavor and texture.
+==Conservation==
+While ''Tegillarca granosa'' is not currently listed as endangered, overharvesting and habitat destruction pose threats to its populations. Sustainable management practices are essential to ensure the long-term viability of this species.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Bivalvia]]
+* [[Arcidae]]
+* [[Aquaculture]]
-[[Category:Bivalves]]
 [[Category:Arcidae]]
-[[Category:Seafood]]
+[[Category:Bivalves described in 1758]]
-{{Bivalve-stub}}
+[[Category:Edible molluscs]]
-{{food-stub}}