Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell heavy, somewhat triangular; anterior end broadly rounded; posterior end rounded but more angular; color whitish but covered with a blackish to brown exterior coating (periostracum); shell with concentric ridges and grooves; beak near rounded anterior end, twisted anteriorly; small gap between beaks; interior white; pallial sinus small; enlarge tooth near beak in both shells; posterior inner margin with long ridge (lateral tooth) from beak to near posterior end. |
Similar Species |
Similar to the brown rangia, but the brown rangia has an angular pointed posterior end, very small or no pallial sinus and a shorter ridge (lateral tooth) on posterior margin. May be confused with the southern or Texas quahog, but the quahogs have no gap between its beaks and have a short, rounded depression (lunule area) just anterior to both beaks (no lunule in rangia). |
Habitat |
Bays, low salinities, freshwater |
Maximum Size |
9.4 cm (3 3/4 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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