Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell oval, triangular, somewhat inflated; color white to light yellow, interior white; shell smooth except for fine concentric growth lines, somewhat roughened on the posterior end; beaks pointed, almost central; scooped out shelf (chondrophore) underneath beak (chondrophore not well developed in juveniles); interior lateral margins on either side of beak each with 2 elongate teeth with long groove in between; both abductor muscle scars above midpoint of shell; pallial sinus wide, short, thumb-like. |
Similar Species |
The triangular shape helps distinguish this shell from other surf clams. |
Habitat |
Gulf, sandy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
17.8 cm (7 in) |
Other Common Names |
Atlantic surf clam |
Previous Scientific Names |
Sp. solidissima, Mactra solidissima |
Comments |