Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell inflated, shaped round (more rounded when small) to oblique (adults slightly lopsided); color light tannish brown with darker brown markings; interior pink to brown; 32-36 radiating ribs, sometimes with rough transverse grooves on anterior ribs, looks scaly; beaks rounded, touching when together; interior with low ridges, edges crenulate, scalloped; flat anterior and posterior lateral tooth on either side of beak, 1-2 curved teeth below beak. |
Similar Species |
Other cockles have sharply scaled ribs or no ribs at all. |
Habitat |
Gulf, sandy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
12.5 cm (5 in) |
Other Common Names |
giant heart cockle |
Previous Scientific Names |
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