septibranch ctenidium

gill

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July 13, 2026

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The term "septibranch ctenidium" refers to a specialized gill structure found in certain deep-sea bivalves. Unlike the typical gills of bivalves, which are primarily used for respiration and filtering food, the septibranch ctenidium is modified into a horizontal, muscular partition. This partition functions to create pressure changes within the mantle cavity, drawing in water and any prey it may contain. This adaptation allows these bivalves to capture and consume small prey, such as crustaceans and worms, which are then ingested through the mouth with the aid of palps and the foot. This unique gill structure is characteristic of the small order of marine bivalves known as Septibranchia.12

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bivalve
Food and feeding
…bivalve ctenidium into a septum—the “septibranch” ctenidium—that creates pressure changes within the mantle cavity and produces sudden inrushes of water, carrying prey into a funnellike inhalant siphon (Cuspidaria). Food is then pushed into the mouth by the palps and foot. Others evert the inhalant siphon, like a hood, over the…
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…bivalve ctenidium into a septum—the “septibranch” ctenidium—that creates pressure changes within the mantle cavity and produces sudden inrushes of water, carrying prey into a funnellike inhalant siphon (Cuspidaria). Food is then pushed into the mouth by the palps and foot. Others evert the inhalant siphon, like a hood, over the…
Read More