Common brachiopod
Latin Name:	Terebratalia transversa
Geographic Range:	Range is from Alaska to Baja
SCUBA Divers Info:
Despite outward appearances this is not a Mollusks it is a separate group of animals often called lampshells. The calcareous shell hides an animal that rests on a small 'shelf' inside the shell. The smile like look is characteristic of the common brachiopod. Another interesting feature of this animal is the peduncle by which it attaches itself to the rocks, this foot like appendage allows the brachiopod to rotate flat against the rock.
Beachwalkers Info:
This animal does not usually inhabit the intertidal zone so you are very unlikely to find it beachwalking or tidepooling.
Brachiopod	Copyright © 1996 Kerry L. Werry