Ark Shells of the Noetiidae Family
One Ark Shell of the Noetiidae Family can be found in this website:
Solid Ark Shell, Arcopsis solida. A representative of the Noetiidae Family of Ark Shells.
Phylogeny: The Ark Shells of the Noetiidae Family (R. B. Stewart, 1930), are bivalve mollusks in the order Arcida. Shells in this order are characterized by having a straight hinge, with taxodont dentition. Shells in this order are found exclusively in marine environments. There are two superfamilies in the Arcida order – Arcoidea and Limopsoidea. Limopsoideans tend to be oval in shape while Arcoidea are more quadrate. The Noetiidae Family falls in the superfamily Arcoidea. The Noetiidae Family consists of thirty-eight known species that have been placed in thirteen genera. Noetiidae Ark Shells differ from Arcidae Ark Shells in the placement of ligaments and the lack of striations on the ligaments. Ark Shells look like an ark or treasure chest, from which they derive their common name. These shells are also commonly referred to as False Ark Shells or Noetiids.
Description: Noetiidae Ark Shells are strongly built, small to large-sized, shells. They may have a elliptical, trapezoidal, or trigonal profile. They are equivalve and strongly inflated. Their hinge line is arched and there are numerous teeth along the hinge line of both valves that align, like a zipper, when the shell is closed. Most are sculpted with strong radial ribs. Some also have commarginal ribs. Most shells in this family are white or white with brown. The interior is porcelaneous, and the posterior adductor muscle scar has a ventral ridge. Many Noetiid Ark Shells are covered with a pilose (hairy) periostracum (outer membrane), usually dark brown in color. Noetiid Ark Shells can reach up to 10.0 cm (3.9 inches) in length, though most are around half that size.
Habitat and Distribution: Noetiid Arks are found in sand and mud substrates from the intertidal zone to moderately deep water. Most are found in less than 100 m (328 feet) of water. They live in subtropical to tropical seas around the world. There are at least 6 Noetiid Ark Shells found along the coastlines of Mexico.
Natural History: Noetiid Arks are suspension feeders that filter plankton and fine detritus from the surrounding water. Their predators include birds, crabs, carnivorous mollusks and rays. They are gonochoric and reproduce sexually, through broadcast spawning, with external fertilization. Noetiid Ark Shells have been harvested as a food source and for use as a fishing bait since pre-historic times.