Systematic Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Mytiloida
Family: Pinnidae
Genus: Pinna Atrina
Species: Pinna (Atrina) pectinata

(Linnaeus, 1767)
Chinese name: ±a¤l

 

Characteristic Features

Thin, brittle, wedge-shaped shells, gaping at posterior. Adults are yellowish brown to nearly black and semitransparent when young. Valves bear 10-30 radiating folds adorned with hollow spines toward the margin.

Habitat

Found in shallow water or buried in a depth of 20 m muddy or sandy bottom.

Size

~120 - 160 mm in length.

Distribution

Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean.

Commercial
fishery

Economically important. Either be freshy served, or processed as an expensive dried food.