Plagiostoma (bivalve)


Plagiostoma is a genus of fossil saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Limidae, the file clams.

Species

This cosmopolitan genus occurs in Mid Triassic to Upper Cretaceous strata

Description

These bivalves are epifaunal byssate suspension feeders of up to 12 cm in size. The shells are obliquely ovate, moderately inflated, with obtuse posterior and smaller anterior wings.
Plagiostoma giganteum is a well-known fossil bivalve which occurs in the Blue Lias formation in various parts of the United Kingdom, although it is geographically widespread and has also been found in the Triassic of the United Kingdom.

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