BIODIVERSITY AND URBANISM

Europe's Future Leaders in the field of sustainable development: Discussing the Future of Environmental Protection

ZAGREB - FUŽINE - RIJEKA

20 - 28 May 2011

MYSTERIOUS RISING SUN SHELL

At the beginning of 2009 the Ecogreen Europe commenced with “The Solecurtus Project”, which aims to provide general public with a better understanding of rising sun shell (=rasp short razor, Solecurtus strigilatus), Mediterranean and Adriatic sand habitats.

The rising sun shell is a truly awe-inspiring bivalve, as anyone lucky enough to have seen them in their natural environment will confirm. They are buried deep in the sand, but their pinkish shells decorated with two conspicuous paler rays can be frequently found on the sea bed. Two holes in the sediment signal the presence of this amazing bivalve. This bivalve is a harmless filterer and its only protection is provided by the surrounding sediment. From time to time, they put out their watery, telescopic siphons which are their only contact with sea water enriched with nutrients. It is vital that we learn more about this mysterious bivalve so we can protect them and ensure their survival in the future.

Rising sun shell is a mysterious bivalve and difficult to find and research, so there are huge gaps in our knowledge in terms of their ecology, distribution and behaviour. If you are a zoologist, marine biologist, diver, fisherman or sailor you can help us to fill in some of these gaps. If you study this bivalve or you have seen two adjacent and perfectly round holes in the sand in your corner of Mediterranean or have any information of interest related to Solecurtus, please do not hesitate to contact us.