15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
clam mantle

I'm an extremely slow diver and when I have my camera, I cover very little distance. On the lookout for special patterns and structures, I meticulously scan my environment. This is a macro shot of the mantle of a clam. The visible mantle surfaces of clams have different colour patterns due to the presence of the zooxanthellae in their circulatory system. These colour patterns may help to warn or confuse potential predators.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2017
Date Uploaded: 10.2017
Photo Location: Romblon, Philippines
Camera: Canon EOS 550D
Copyright: © Silvie De Burie