Pteriomorphia

The Pteriomorphia are a subclass of saltwater clams, marine bivalve molluscs. They contain several major orders, including the Arcida, Ostreida, Pectinida, Limida, Mytilida, and Pteriida. It also contains some extinct and probably basal families, such as the Evyanidae, Colpomyidae, Bakevelliidae, Cassianellidae, and Plicatostylidae.

This subclass of molluscs has lamellibranch gills, and is epibenthic. Some attach to the substrate using a byssus. The foot is reduced. The mantle margins are not fused. Gills are usually large and assist in feeding. This group includes the well known mussels, scallops, pen shells, and oysters. It also includes the only members of the class bivalvia to have rudimentary eyes.