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Species with Hinged Teeth

Pinctada shimizuensis (S. K. and R. Wada, 1953)


Common Synonyms

 None

Primary Source

Japan: The Bay of Shimiza in Shizuoka Perfecture

Other geographical locations

 Japan and the Ryukyu Islands

P. shimizuensis in pearls

 Can be cross-bred with P. martensii



Distinguishing Characteristics

Originally considered to be a subspecies of P. martensii, P. shimizuensis is closely linked with P. martensii.  It is distinguished by its square-shaped shell, which can reach lengths up to 9 cm.



Habitat and Ecology


The species derives its name from the bay where it was first discovered, the Bay of Shimiza in Shizuoka Perfecture.


P. shmizuensis in Pearls
Because of its anatomical resemblance to P. martensii, it can be crossbred with the Japanese Akoya.


Pinctada nigra (Gould, 1850)

Common Synonyms

 P. atropurpurea (Dunker, 1852)
P. flexuosa (Reeve, 1857)
P. sheepmakeri (Dunker, 1872)
P. reentsii (Dunker, 1872)
P. tristis (Dunker, 1872)
P. natalensis (Jameson, 1901)

Primary Source

Outside the Tropic of Capricorn from East Africa to South Africa

Other geographical locations

 Indo-Pacific Zone

P. nigra in pearls

 Inferior and historically used in medicine and decoration

 
P. nigra pearls are rare and generally inferior.  They were likely used historically used for material medica and inexpensive decoration.  They are most often found in South Africa.