| Veneridae, the venus clams, have thick shells that are ovate to elongate, triangular to squarish. The outer shells can be smooth or have concentric or radial ribs or both. They usually have a well developed depression on the anterior dorsal margin (lunule) next to the beak. Venus clams actively burrower in soft sediments. Sometimes they nestle in rock crevices or among marine growths. They are common in intertidal and shallow subtidal sediments. Many, like the northern quahog on the east coast, are edible and support major commercial fisheries. There are 29 species found in Texas waters. |
