Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); elongate, somewhat triangular, flattened, posterior end narrower and slightly truncate, anterior end broader and round; color white to slightly pink or yellow, sometimes with a banded appearance; interior slightly yellow with white margins; beak slightly off-center to the posterior end; distinct concentric ridges and grooves, left valve has wider grooves than right; slight ridge on posterior end from beaks to shell margin; right shell has a ridge on the anterior inner dorsal margin from beak to beginning of curve; left shell has a corresponding groove; ridge around anterior muscle scar; pallial line curves slightly upwards between muscle scars; pallial sinus wide. |
Similar Species |
The alternate tellin is more deeply grooved than other tellins, which may have minute concentric growth lines. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, sandy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
7.6 cm (3 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
Tellina alternata |
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