Textile Venus
NameTextile Venus
Scientific NamePaphia textile
Common NameTextile Venus
FamilyVeneridae
GenusPaphia
Speciestextile
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas from East Africa to the Western Pacific, commonly found in Southeast Asia.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)40-70
Identifying FeaturesThe unique 'textile' pattern of dark brown lines on a lighter background is the primary identifying feature. The shell is relatively smooth with fine concentric growth lines, and its elongate-oval shape is also characteristic.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationGmelin, 1791
Description
The Textile Venus is a bivalve mollusk characterized by its elongate-oval, moderately inflated shell. Its most distinctive feature is the intricate, dark brown, zigzag or reticulated pattern resembling woven fabric, set against a lighter brownish-grey background. The patterns are typically more pronounced centrally and may fade towards the shell margins. The shell surface is generally smooth or exhibits very fine concentric growth lines.
