Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); Shell elongate, elliptical, thin and fragile, inflated; shell color white; anterior edge of shell flips up (protoplax) and over beak (metaplax); transverse plates (mesoplax) protrude above beak forming 12 compartments; weak radial ridges of nodules, stronger at the anterior end than the posterior end (also could appear to some as concentric ridges); short broad projection (apophysis) on underside of beak; sharp posterior angle; 2 really small muscle scars underneath shell, the pallial line arcs out and downward from posterior muscle (pallial sinus), makes a sharp turn anteriorly at shell's edge (sharp V shape), and follows shell edge to anterior muscle. |
Similar Species |
Similar to the angelwing (Cyrtopleura costata), but the angel wing has stronger larger sculpture on shell and does not have the 12 partitions on beak. |
Habitat |
Gulf, bores in the mud |
Maximum Size |
12.8 cm (5 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Can bore into wood, coral and rock. |