Lampshells: Brachipoda

Some species live in burrows in soft, sandy or muddy sea bottoms. When threatened, they close their valves and quickly pull themselves into the burrow by using the muscles in their pedicels. Some species live out in the open. They attach themselves to rocks with their very muscular pedicels and can pull themselves down toward the bottom if they are disturbed. Lampshells without pedicels attach their lower valves directly to hard, flat surfaces and usually live in groups.

Most species of lampshells require both males and females for reproduction. Eggs and sperm are released from the kidneylike organs into the water where fertilization takes place. Only in a few species do the eggs develop inside the valves. The newly hatched larvae (LAR-vee) have rows of bristlelike cilia (SIH-lee-uh) on their bodies. They swim, have distinct body regions, and may or may not resemble adults. Once they settle on the bottom, the larvae begin to make their own valves. Most species live less than two years, but some are known to live for six to ten years.