Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell elongate, slightly inflated, ends truncate to slightly rounded, thin, fragile; color whitish to light brown, sometimes with a greenish tinge, a triangular area of transverse brownish lines starting hinge area down to posterior end, apparent in most fresh individuals; hinge near anterior end; dorsal edge (side with hinge) may be straight or slightly curved; shells gaping at both ends; length of shell greater than 5 times the width; hinge area of left valve with 2 vertical teeth and 1 low lateral tooth, right valve with 1 vertical and 1 low lateral teeth; |
Similar Species |
The length of the green jackknife clam, S. viridis, is less than 5 times the width, and it has only 1 vertical tooth in the left valve. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, around edges of bays and lagoons |
Maximum Size |
rarely exceeds 7.6 cm (3 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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