Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell circular to somewhat oblong in older specimens; moderately inflated; color white to tannish to light brown; interior salmon or pinkish color, sometimes with purple; anterior 1/4 of inside shell white; 27-31 radial ribs on outer shell, ribs scaled, scales scoop-shaped, opening toward ventral margin; anterior side of shell with scales that are more solid and round (bead-like); posterior side with a slight rounded ridge from beak to ventral margin, margin of shell serrated. |
Similar Species |
Similar to the yellow prickly cockle (T. muricata) but the scales the yellow prickly cockle are bead-like whereas the scales on the Florida prickly cockle are hollow, scoop-shaped (except on the anterior end where the scales are more bead-like). Also the yellow prickly cockle has more ribs (30-40) than the Florida prickly cockle (27-31). Interior color in the Florida prickly cockle is a flush of orangish pink to purple with 1/4 of anterior part white. The yellow prickly cockle's interior is white with streaks of yellow or purple radiating from the beaks. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bays, sometimes found in seagrass beds, more common in south Texas |
Maximum Size |
5.1 cm (2 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
Cardium egmontianum |
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