Chama lazarus

Chama lazarus, common name the Lazarus jewel box, is a species of cemented saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Chamidae, the jewel boxes.

Description

Chama lazarus has a shell that usually grows to about 75 mm, with a maximum length of 140 mm. The outer surface of the shell is whitish, reddish or pale brown, and shows long, branched, leaf-like spines.

Right and left valve of the same specimen:
Right and left valve of the same specimen:

Distribution

This invasive species is widespread in the Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa, including the Red Sea, to Melanesia; persian gulf north to Japan and south to Queensland. The distribution includes Australia, Philippines, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Eswatini, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, South Africa, British Indian Ocean Territory, Fiji, Thailand, Comoros, Madagascar, Micronesia and Guam.

Habitat

It can be found on rocks and corals in low intertidal zone and sublittoral to depths of about 30 m.