Pinctada shimizuensis (S. K. and R. Wada, 1953)
Common Synonyms |
None
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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.
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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)
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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.
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