Fragile File Shell

Limaria fragilis

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Limida
Family: Limidae
Genus: Limaria
Species: Limaria fragilis

The fragile file shell (Limaria fragilis) is a small, thin-shelled file clam fringed with long, sticky red-orange tentacles. Its delicate white shell gives it its name.

It grows to about 2-3 cm and filters plankton from the water. When disturbed it can swim by clapping its valves, and its tentacles can break off to distract predators.

In the Philippines it is found hiding under rocks and rubble, often seen when a piece of rubble is gently turned over.