Solemyoida

bivalve order

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July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The Solemyoida are an order of bivalve mollusks characterized by their equal, elongated shell valves that lack hinge teeth and are covered by a shiny periostracum. These bivalves can be dimyarian (having two adductor muscles) or monomyarian (having one). Some species possess protobranch ctenidia that house symbiotic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, and they have minute palps and a reduced or absent gut.1

Solemyoida are marine, deep-burrowing infaunal organisms with a foot that has a flat sole and marginally papillate edges. This order comprises about 35 species.1

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bivalve
Annotated classification
Order Solemyoida Shell valves equal and elongate, lacking hinge teeth, covered by a shiny periostracum; dimyarian or monomyarian; some with protobranch ctenidia containing symbiotic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria; minute palps; minute or absent gut; foot with flat sole; marginally papillate; marine; deep-burrowing; infaunal. About 35 species. Subclass Pteriomorphia
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Order Solemyoida Shell valves equal and elongate, lacking hinge teeth, covered by a shiny periostracum; dimyarian or monomyarian; some with protobranch ctenidia containing symbiotic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria; minute palps; minute or absent gut; foot with flat sole; marginally papillate; marine; deep-burrowing; infaunal. About 35 species. Subclass Pteriomorphia
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