Pholadomya konincki
Pholadomya konincki
View age-specific evidence and explanation
| Age | Recorded Occurrences | Localities | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanetian | 1 | 1 | Not yet established |
These counts describe published LBPS Occurrence records with directly assigned, unambiguous geological-unit mappings—not specimen abundance. Records at restricted Localities and ambiguous or unsupported ages are excluded. Species-level age labels are not used as proof of an age-specific Occurrence.
Specimen-based rarity requires comparable, correctly identified physical fossils, geological provenance and publication permissions. It does not estimate your chance of finding a fossil or collecting access.
Quick Identification
Look for: an inflated, inequilateral pholadomyid shell or mould with a subtrigonal-to-ovate form, prominent close umbones and preserved shell sculpture; complete outline and ornament are needed for a confident species-level identification.
Summary
Pholadomya konincki was an infaunal clam that probably lived deeply buried in soft marine sediment. Like other pholadomyids, it was most likely a suspension feeder, using siphons to maintain contact with the water above while the rest of the animal remained protected within the seabed.
A deep-burrowing lifestyle would have reduced exposure to many surface predators and physical disturbance. Its ecology is inferred from the broader pholadomyid body plan because the fossils preserve the shell or moulds rather than the soft siphons and feeding organs.
Diagnostic Features
- Shell is inflated and inequilateral, with a subtrigonal to ovate overall outline.
- Umbones are prominent, close together and stand above the dorsal margin.
- Anterior end is comparatively short while the posterior part is more produced.
- Shell is relatively thin and may preserve concentric and radial surface sculpture where not decalcified.
- Species-level identification requires the combined shell proportions and ornament; feature-poor internal moulds are not diagnostic.
Fossil Details
Similar Species
Recorded Fossil Sites
Reculver Sand Member
References
- MolluscaBase Editorial Board. (2026). MolluscaBase: Pholadomya konincki Nyst, 1845. MolluscaBase View reference
- Ward, D.J. (1978). The Lower London Tertiary (Palaeocene) succession of Herne Bay, Kent. Report of the Institute of Geological Sciences. Institute of Geological Sciences View reference