Distinguishing Characteristics |
Bivalve (2 shells); shell elongate, rectangular; slightly inflated, color white, has brown outer protective skin (periostracum); beaks central or slightly posterior to central, low, barely distinguishable from upper margin; slight curved radial ridge on posterior end; minute concentric growth rings; upper inner margin behind beak has narrow ridge or shelf were ligament attaches. |
Similar Species |
The purplish tagelus has more rounded anterior and posterior ends and has a radial ridge on the inside central part of shell (lacking in stout tagelus). |
Habitat |
Bay, around the shoreline |
Maximum Size |
9 cm (3 1/2 in) |
Other Common Names |
stout razor clam, spit clam |
Previous Scientific Names |
|
Comments |
Burrows into mud vertically. squirts water in the air when the tide is out. |