These are thought to protect the clam from the effects of intense sunlight, or bundle light to enhance the algae's photosynthesis. Maxima produce the color white in their mantle by clustering red, blue and green cells, while individual T. derasa cells are themselves multi-colored.
These structures are thought to protect the clam from the intense effects of sunlight, or aggregate light to boost the algae's photosynthetic capabilities. Maxima produce white coloration in their mantle by aggregating red, blue, and green cells, while individual T. derasa cells display a range of colors.