Pseudofeces
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Pseudofeces or pseudofaeces are a specialized method of expulsion that filter-feeding bivalve mollusks use in order to get rid of suspended particles such as particles of grit which cannot be used as
Pseudofeces of zebra mussel, photographed in the Deûle river (North of France).
Siphon (mollusc)
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A siphon is an anatomical structure which is part of the body of aquatic molluscs in three classes: Gastropoda, Bivalvia and Cephalopoda.
Pseudofeces
…which filter feed are in a minority, but include the mudsnail genus Batillaria and deep sea vent limpets in the family Lepetodrilidae. Bivalves have two siphons or apertures at the posterior edge of their mantle cavity: an inhalant or incurrent siphon, and an exhalant or excurrent siphon or aperture. The water…
A specimen of a venerid bivalve. The adductor muscles have been cut, the valves are gaping. The internal anatomy is visible, including the paired siphons to the right
Veneridae with siphons out
Drawing of the venerid Venus verrucosa showing paired siphons (upper inhalant and lower exhalant siphon), shell and foot.
The sea snail Nassarius fossatus is a scavenger. Siphon on the left