Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell wedge or fan-shaped, slightly inflated, very fragile, translucent; beak pointed; color tan sometimes with purple-brown markings; hinge area long, straight from beak to posterior end of shell; 10-15 radiating ribs (smooth or with tubular spines) on upper (dorsal) portion of shell; ventral portion usually smooth with no ribs; ventral margin of shell curved at posterior end; interior muscle scar well below edge of nacreous (shiny) layer. |
Similar Species |
Has less ribs and larger spines (if present) than the saw-tooth pen shell. Similar to stiff pen shell, but interior muscle scar on thestiff pen shell borders the edge of the nacreous layer. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, sandy to muddy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
23 cm (9 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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