Variable Thorny Oyster (Spondylus varius)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Spondylus varius
- Common name
- Variable Thorny Oyster
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Spondylidae
- Genus
- Spondylus
- Size
- 8–14 cm
- Depth
- 5–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean
Description
Spondylus varius reaches 14 cm. Thorny oyster (Mollusca) Indo-Pacific. Red-orange-white spiny shell long spines. Byssus-anchored. Filter-feeder. Coral reefs 5-40 m. LC. Highly colorful photogenic.
Photo of Variable Thorny Oyster
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Variable Thorny Oyster?
- Variable Thorny Oyster (Spondylus varius) reaches 8–14 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Variable Thorny Oyster?
- Variable Thorny Oyster is found between 5–40 m deep.
- Is the Variable Thorny Oyster dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Variable Thorny Oyster?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Variable Thorny Oyster?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Spondylus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 207853)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5729623)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia