Regal Hammer Oyster [Malleus regalis]
Description
The Regal Hammer Oyster, or Malleus regalis, is a less common species within the Malleidae family. It is native to the waters of the Western Pacific, particularly around the Philippines and Japan. It is characterized by its beautifully patterned shell, which is often a mix of white and deep blues or purples. Its habitat is usually in deeper coastal waters, where it attaches itself to hard substrates.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Clams, Oysters, and Scallops
Bivalvia
|
| Order |
Pearl Oysters and Relatives
Pteriida
|
| Family |
Tree Oysters
Malleidae
|
| Genus |
Hammer Oysters
Malleus
|