| Windowpane oysters | |
|---|---|
| |
| Placuna placenta shells | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Pectinida |
| Family: | Placunidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
| Genus: | Placuna Lightfoot, 1786 |
| Species | |
| |
Placunidae, also known as windowpane oysters, windowpane shells, and Capiz shells, are a taxonomic family of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks which are related to oysters and scallops.
This family is best known for the shells of the species Placuna placenta, which are translucent, and are commonly used in shellcraft production. In some cultures, they are cut into 2" x 2" and pressed by a 1/4" wood and are used as a form of light-admitting window.[2] This shells are a bit reflective and are even used as room movable divider (partition).
The family is closely related to the Anomiidae (saddle oysters). One of the main differences is that the Placunidae do not attach themselves to a hard surface but are instead a mud-living family.
- ^ Bieler R, Bouchet P, Gofas S, Marshall B, Rosenberg G, La Perna R, Neubauer TA, Sartori AF, Schneider S, Vos C, ter Poorten JJ, Taylor J, Dijkstra H, Finn J, Bank R, Neubert E, Moretzsohn F, Faber M, Houart R, Picton B, Garcia-Alvarez O (eds.). "Placuna Lightfoot, 1786". MolluscaBase. World Register of Marine Species.
- ^ "Fisheries and aquaculture of window-pane shells". Malacological Society of London. Retrieved on 2011-10-23.