Ynghylch

The flame shell is also known as a Gaping file shell - it gets this name as the shell always remains slightly agape, showcasing its fringe of beautiful orange tentacles. These tentacles are thick and distinctly anemone-like, but don't be fooled - the animal inside is a mollusc. They build themselves a nest to hide in, created using sticky byssus threads and bits of gravel and shell debris. This helps hide the flame shell from hungry predators. Over time, many nests together start to create a flame shell bed (also known as a File shell bed) - this creates a habitat for hundreds of other species, including seaweeds and other invertebrates. This is a subtidal species found from just below low water down to 100m.