VUVulnerable

comb bathyark

Bathyarca pectunculoides

Unknown

Overview

The comb bathyark (Bathyarca pectunculoides) is a small, deep-sea bivalve mollusk characterized by its distinctive ribbed shell with comb-like ridges that give it its common name. This filter-feeding clam plays an important ecological role in deep-sea benthic communities by processing organic matter and serving as prey for various bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrates.

The comb bathyark faces significant threats from deep-sea fishing activities, particularly bottom trawling, which physically damages its benthic habitat and directly removes individuals from populations. Climate change-induced ocean acidification poses an additional threat by affecting the species' ability to maintain its calcium carbonate shell, while deep-sea mining activities increasingly threaten the integrity of its seafloor environment.
Threat summary

Habitat

Deep-sea benthic environments on continental shelves and slopes, typically found in soft sediments at depths ranging from 200 to 2000 meters. The species inhabits cold-water marine ecosystems where it burrows in muddy and sandy substrates of the abyssal and bathyal zones.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Algeria

Calidris ferruginea

Declining

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown

small mallow

Malva pusilla

Unknown

Blind Snail

Cecilioides acicula

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is comb bathyark classified as Vulnerable?

comb bathyark is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The comb bathyark faces significant threats from deep-sea fishing activities, particularly bottom trawling, which physically damages its benthic habitat and directly removes individuals from populations. Climate change-induced ocean acidification poses an additional threat by affecting the species' ability to maintain its calcium carbonate shell, while deep-sea mining activities increasingly threaten the integrity of its seafloor environment.

Where does comb bathyark live?

comb bathyark occurs in Algeria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, and Canada (plus 36 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.

What are the main threats to comb bathyark?

The main threats to comb bathyark are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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