Cross-Sculpture Crenella
Crenella decussata
The Cross-Sculpture Crenella (Crenella decussata) is a small marine bivalve mollusk characterized by its distinctive shell surface featuring intersecting ridges that create a cross-hatched or decussate pattern. This filter-feeding species typically measures 10-15mm in length and plays an important ecological role in marine benthic communities by processing organic matter and serving as prey for various marine predators.
43
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) smithsonian_marinegeo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by smithsonian_marinegeo
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Mollusca
Class
Bivalvia
Order
Mytilida
Family
Mytilidae
Genus
Crenella
Cross-Sculpture Crenella belongs to the family Mytilidae, order Mytilida, within the Bivalvia class.
Species Profile
The Cross-Sculpture Crenella (Crenella decussata) is a small marine bivalve mollusk characterized by its distinctive shell surface featuring intersecting ridges that create a cross-hatched or decussate pattern. This filter-feeding species typically measures 10-15mm in length and plays an important ecological role in marine benthic communities by processing organic matter and serving as prey for various marine predators.
The Cross-Sculpture Crenella faces significant threats from coastal development and pollution in its shallow marine habitats. Climate change-induced ocean acidification poses additional risks to this small bivalve mollusk, as it can weaken shell formation and disrupt the delicate marine ecosystems it depends upon.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This small marine bivalve inhabits shallow coastal waters, typically found attached to hard substrates such as rocks, shells, and artificial structures in intertidal and subtidal zones. It occurs in areas with moderate water flow and is often associated with other sessile marine invertebrates in temperate marine environments.
Threats
Coastal development and habitat destruction
Marine pollution and water quality degradation
Ocean acidification from climate change
Sedimentation from terrestrial runoff
Found in 43 Countries
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Cross-Sculpture Crenella (Crenella decussata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/cross-sculpture-crenella