Wild kids

Mangroves

Tellin

Tellins are bivalves. This means that they have two shells, joined by a hinge. Their body is inside the shells. The shells can grow to about 4.5 cm wide. The shells are white and chalky. The shells have a distinct bend at one end.

Common name: Tellin
Scientific name: Tellina deltoidalis
Tellins are bivalves, which means they have two shells.

Tellins live on the southern coasts of Australia. They can be found in muddy sands, in estuaries and among seagrass.

Tellins eat small particles of dead plants and animals. They also eat lichen.

Tellins suck up mud and particles through a small hose that comes out of their shell. They pump the unwanted mud back out of their shell through another hose. They digest any plant or animal matter.

Birds, crabs, octopuses and stingrays all eat Tellins.