Details from a giant clam (Tridacna gigas) showing the coloured patterns formed by colonies of symbiotic dinoflagellate algae in the mollusc's mantle.


The particularly beautiful patterns and colours displayed in the tissues of giant clams are, in my view, amongst the most beautiful things which one can see on coral reefs. If designers in the fashion industry were perspicacious enough to utilise such marvels in the design of fabrics, I feel sure that they would be 'on to a good thing'.


Size: 4589px × 3277px
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Photo credit: © Terence Dormer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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