Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας (Ensis ensis) - Facts & Information
Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Scientific Classification
Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας: Complete Species Profile and Guide
The Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας (Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758)) represents a remarkable example of bilateral soft-bodied anatomy in marine life found in mrgid. This in-depth guide covers taxonomy, anatomy, habitat, behavior, diet, reproduction, conservation status, and practical notes for identification and research.
Quick Facts About the Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758) |
| Common Name | Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας |
| Family | Pharidae |
| Order | Adapedonta |
| Class | Bivalvia |
| Primary Habitat | Diverse Marine Habitats |
| Geographic Range | Mrgid |
Taxonomic Classification and Scientific Background
The almindelig knivmusling; gemeine schwertmuschel; schwertförmige messerscheide; schwertmuschel; brede kleine zwaardschede; common razor clam; common razor shell; couteau; couteau-sabre; couteau-silique; glanzende zwaardschede; kleine zwaardschede; knivmussla; midhja shpatë; muergo; narrow jackknife clam; navalla; navalla recta; pod razor shell; rakknivsmussla; rundad knivmussla; schwertförmige scheidenmuschel; slanke kleine zwaardschede; sværdskedemusling; sword razor; sword razor shell; στραβοσωλήνας is placed within the phylum Mollusca. Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia - Phylum: Mollusca - Class: Bivalvia - Order: Adapedonta - Family: Pharidae - Scientific Name: Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Taxonomic notes: molluscan classification is based on shell morphology, radula structure, soft anatomy, and molecular data. Always verify synonyms in MolluscaBase or WoRMS.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας typically display molluscan body plan: head, visceral mass, and muscular foot (modified in cephalopods to arms/tentacles). The mantle secretes shell material where present; radula is used by many clades for feeding. Key identification features include:
- Shell shape, sculpture, and color (for shelled taxa) - Radula type and tooth arrangement (important for diet inference) - Soft-tissue characters (gill arrangement, mantle features) - Cephalopod-specific traits: chromatophores, beak, siphon for jet propulsion
Habitat Preferences and Geographic Distribution
Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs occur in mrgid, usually in diverse marine habitats. Habitat selection depends on substrate, depth, salinity, temperature and food supply. Microhabitats include intertidal rocks, seagrass beds, sandy bottoms, coral reefs, and deep-sea vents.
Behavior and Ecology
The almindelig knivmusling; gemeine schwertmuschel; schwertförmige messerscheide; schwertmuschel; brede kleine zwaardschede; common razor clam; common razor shell; couteau; couteau-sabre; couteau-silique; glanzende zwaardschede; kleine zwaardschede; knivmussla; midhja shpatë; muergo; narrow jackknife clam; navalla; navalla recta; pod razor shell; rakknivsmussla; rundad knivmussla; schwertförmige scheidenmuschel; slanke kleine zwaardschede; sværdskedemusling; sword razor; sword razor shell; στραβοσωλήνας displays bilateral soft-bodied anatomy and a complex nervous system (notably in cephalopods). Behavioral highlights:
- Locomotion: foot gliding, burrowing, or cephalopod jetting - Foraging strategies: grazing, filter-feeding, predation with radula/venom, scavenging - Defensive behavior: shell withdrawal, crypsis, ink release (cephalopods), venom in some gastropods
Diet and Feeding Ecology
Diet varies by clade: many gastropods graze on algae, bivalves filter phytoplankton and detritus, and cephalopods are active predators. Feeding mechanics often correlate with radula morphology or specialized appendages/venom. Trophic role: primary consumer, predator or scavenger.
Reproduction, Development, and Life Cycle
Molluscs show diverse reproductive strategies: broadcast spawning with planktonic trochophore/veliger larvae, brooding, or direct development. Cephalopods typically have complex mating behaviors and some brood/guard eggs. Reproductive timing often links with seasonal cycles and temperature.
Conservation Status and Threats
Conservation concerns for almindelig knivmusling; gemeine schwertmuschel; schwertförmige messerscheide; schwertmuschel; brede kleine zwaardschede; common razor clam; common razor shell; couteau; couteau-sabre; couteau-silique; glanzende zwaardschede; kleine zwaardschede; knivmussla; midhja shpatë; muergo; narrow jackknife clam; navalla; navalla recta; pod razor shell; rakknivsmussla; rundad knivmussla; schwertförmige scheidenmuschel; slanke kleine zwaardschede; sværdskedemusling; sword razor; sword razor shell; στραβοσωλήναςs include overharvesting (food & aquarium trade), habitat loss, pollution, and ocean acidification which impairs shell formation. Assess status via IUCN, national red lists, and targeted monitoring. Mitigation: MPAs, sustainable harvest, pollution reductions, aquaculture best-practice.
Ecological Importance and Ecosystem Services
Molluscs regulate algal communities (grazers), filter water (bivalves), and form prey base for fish, birds and mammals. Shell accumulations form substrates and beaches. Cephalopods are important mid-trophic predators with fast life-histories influencing prey populations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs
What is a Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας?
The almindelig knivmusling; gemeine schwertmuschel; schwertförmige messerscheide; schwertmuschel; brede kleine zwaardschede; common razor clam; common razor shell; couteau; couteau-sabre; couteau-silique; glanzende zwaardschede; kleine zwaardschede; knivmussla; midhja shpatë; muergo; narrow jackknife clam; navalla; navalla recta; pod razor shell; rakknivsmussla; rundad knivmussla; schwertförmige scheidenmuschel; slanke kleine zwaardschede; sværdskedemusling; sword razor; sword razor shell; στραβοσωλήνας (Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758)) is a mollusc belonging to the Pharidae family and the Adapedonta order. Molluscs are soft-bodied animals often protected by shells, with diverse feeding strategies and complex life cycles.
What is the scientific name of the Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας?
The scientific name is Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758). This binomial follows Linnaean taxonomy.
Where do Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs live?
Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs are found in mrgid. Distribution is driven by substrate, temperature, salinity, and food availability.
What do Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs eat?
Diets vary widely: grazing on algae, filter-feeding plankton, predation using radula/venom, or scavenging.
How big is a Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήνας?
Size ranges widely among molluscs, from minute gastropods to giant cephalopods several meters long.
How do Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs reproduce?
Molluscs reproduce by external spawning or internal fertilization; many have trochophore/veliger larval stages.
Are Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs endangered?
Many species face threats like overharvesting, habitat loss, and ocean acidification affecting shell formation.
What role do Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs play in ecosystems?
Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs serve as grazers, filter feeders, predators, and prey, significantly shaping marine food webs.
What unique adaptations do Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs have?
Adaptations include the radula, shell biomineralization, chromatophores (cephalopods), and ink/venom in some species.
How are molluscs studied and conserved?
Conservation uses monitoring, protected areas, regulated harvest, aquaculture and research on acidification resilience.
Data Sources and References
This profile was compiled from primary species records and scientific literature.
Primary source: GBIF / WoRMS / MolluscaBase Citation: Last Updated: 2025-10-22T11:01:58Z Taxonomic verification recommended via MolluscaBase, WoRMS, and GBIF.Conclusion: Protecting Almindelig Knivmusling; Gemeine Schwertmuschel; Schwertförmige Messerscheide; Schwertmuschel; Brede Kleine Zwaardschede; Common Razor Clam; Common Razor Shell; Couteau; Couteau-Sabre; Couteau-Silique; Glanzende Zwaardschede; Kleine Zwaardschede; Knivmussla; Midhja Shpatë; Muergo; Narrow Jackknife Clam; Navalla; Navalla Recta; Pod Razor Shell; Rakknivsmussla; Rundad Knivmussla; Schwertförmige Scheidenmuschel; Slanke Kleine Zwaardschede; Sværdskedemusling; Sword Razor; Sword Razor Shell; Στραβοσωλήναςs
The almindelig knivmusling; gemeine schwertmuschel; schwertförmige messerscheide; schwertmuschel; brede kleine zwaardschede; common razor clam; common razor shell; couteau; couteau-sabre; couteau-silique; glanzende zwaardschede; kleine zwaardschede; knivmussla; midhja shpatë; muergo; narrow jackknife clam; navalla; navalla recta; pod razor shell; rakknivsmussla; rundad knivmussla; schwertförmige scheidenmuschel; slanke kleine zwaardschede; sværdskedemusling; sword razor; sword razor shell; στραβοσωλήνας (Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758)) showcases molluscan diversity and ecological importance across mrgid. Protecting its habitat and understanding life-history traits will benefit biodiversity and fisheries sustainability.