Disco Clams Have Flashy Lips And Acidic Mucus
- 9 years ago
A unique species of clam utilizes it's lips to reflect light, attracting both predators and prey before using its toxic mucus for protection.
The disco clam is named as such due to its mirror-like lips that reflect light. New research has found they may also offer a deadly defense against predators.
The bi-valve lives in the Indo-Pacific ocean, and measures a mere 2.8 inches long.
Tiny silica spheres within their lips reflect light, creating flashes that may attract both their next meal and any predators. It is thought the clam may release a toxic mucus to render any threats immobile.
Researchers wanted to determine why the animal puts on a light show.
It was originally believed to be part of their mating ritual, but further research revealed the clams' eyesight is too poor to see the display put on by others.
Initial laboratory testing found the presence of sulfuric acid in the clams' tank when the creature felt threatened, in this case by a Styrofoam lid placed in the water.
It's now believed the clams' reflective lips are the initial step in its hunting ritual, while its tentacles release the mucus for protection.
While more testing will be done to confirm the clams' acidic armor, it wouldn't be the first marine animal to use this defense. Other types of clams and certain snails both possess this capability.
The findings were first announced at the 2015 yearly conference of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology.
The disco clam is named as such due to its mirror-like lips that reflect light. New research has found they may also offer a deadly defense against predators.
The bi-valve lives in the Indo-Pacific ocean, and measures a mere 2.8 inches long.
Tiny silica spheres within their lips reflect light, creating flashes that may attract both their next meal and any predators. It is thought the clam may release a toxic mucus to render any threats immobile.
Researchers wanted to determine why the animal puts on a light show.
It was originally believed to be part of their mating ritual, but further research revealed the clams' eyesight is too poor to see the display put on by others.
Initial laboratory testing found the presence of sulfuric acid in the clams' tank when the creature felt threatened, in this case by a Styrofoam lid placed in the water.
It's now believed the clams' reflective lips are the initial step in its hunting ritual, while its tentacles release the mucus for protection.
While more testing will be done to confirm the clams' acidic armor, it wouldn't be the first marine animal to use this defense. Other types of clams and certain snails both possess this capability.
The findings were first announced at the 2015 yearly conference of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology.