Septibranchia (Anomalodesmata)

Article By:

Allen, John A. U.M.B.S.M. Marine Station, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Last reviewed:June 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.615300

A former subclass of bivalve mollusks (class Bivalvia) that are unique in their possession of a muscular septum instead of a filamentous gill. Modern phylogenetic studies now incorporate the former subclass Septibranchia (Anomalodesmata) within the heterodonts (subclass Heterodonta). However, the term septibranch remains extremely useful because it describes mollusks having a septum and other morphological specializations that relate to the septibranch's unique carnivorous habits. The members included previously in the Septibranchia (Anomalodesmata) equate in great part to the superfamily Poromyacea, which includes the septibranch families Cuspidariidae and Poromyidae, and the Verticordiidae. The Verticordiidae have gills that are greatly reduced in size. Although there are a few cuspidariid species in shallow seas, the great majority of septibranchs are found at lower slope and abyssal depths, which are deficient in food for filter-feeding bivalves. They live close to the surface in soft sediments. Most species are less than 20 mm (0.8 in.) in maximum length. See also: Bivalvia; Heterodonta; Mollusca

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