Home > Invertebrates > Bivalves > Pinna muricata

Updated 10/7/2012

Family Pinnidae

HAWAII

Pinna muricata

Mokapu, Oahu, 260 feet

 

Sea Tiger Wreck, Oahu, 120 feet

 

Kewalo, Oahu, 50 feet

Ft. Kamehameha, Oahu, 3 feet

PRICKLY PEN SHELL

Uncommon in sand except in deep water where they form extensive beds.  A nearly continuous bed along Oahu's south & west shore was decimated by severe storms and never recovered.  These beds hosted a diverse community of invertebrates, especially gastropods.  Shell narrowly triangular with rows of broad curved spines.  Pale to dark brown.  Attains 10 inches.  Hawaii & the Indo-West Pacific.  Pinna bicolor is a synonym.