Window-pane Clam

As window-pane clams are usually covered in barnacles, algae or other creatures, they may not look very impressive at first glance. However, these encrusting organisms obscure the true appearance of the window-pane clam, which glistens with a stunning pearly glow!

Due to their thinness, translucency and beautiful lustre, some cultures have used window-pane clams as an alternative to glass to make windows, giving the animal its common name. In the Philippines, window-pane clams are still used as decorative material to make pretty handicrafts. However, overharvesting and habitat destruction caused by damaging fishing practices have caused a noticeable decline in the number of window-pane clams in the Philippines.