Combshell

Type of larval development: not documented [inferred from prodissoconch morphology to be short planktonic, non-planktotrophic]

Shell large, up to 65 mm long, solid, equivalve, circular in shape and inflated, equilateral. Umbos situated on the vertical midline, very slightly prosogyrous, separated from the hinge line by a narrow triangular area covered by the ligament, which is dark brown. Sculpture of very fine comarginal cords and radial striae, giving a reticulated appearance under high magnification. Hinge wide and arched, taxodont, with no teeth under the umbo and between 6 and 12 teeth on each side. Exterior brown or yellowish, with irregular streaks of dark brown. Interior white, with a variable extension of brown patches. Periostracum more or less hairy, dark brown. Glycymeris pilosa is a Mediterranean form with a stronger and densely hairy periostracum, considered by some authors as a distinct species, but could be an ecophenotype on more muddy bottoms.

Eastern Atlantic, from Norway to southern Morocco, also Canary Islands and Madeira. Gorringe seamount, moderately common in 96-180 m (deeper than along mainland coasts).

It is not known for sure if this species can be found at the Belgian coast.

Known from seamounts and knolls