Most bivalve molluscs are filter feeders, using their gills to capture particles of food from the surrounding water. Bivalves have a range of lifestyles. Some burrow into sediments, some attach themselves permanently to rocks, and some are free swimming. These different modes of life are reflected in the nature of the shell.

Wood piddocks.

In this section are examples of some of the different lifestyles of bivalve molluscs.