It is the largest living bivalve mollusc in the world, with shells up to 137 cm across.
From Giant Clam
It can close its shells with considerable force, though contrary to popular legend it poses no real risk of trapping a diver.
From Giant Clam
Contrary to the popular myth, it closes far too slowly to trap a diver.
From Giant Clam
It is told from the introduced Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) by having its two siphons separate right to the base, whereas in the Manila clam they are fused for much of their length.
From Chequered Carpet Shell
It is the native European clam and the most prized in the kitchen; in Spain it is the almeja fina, the one used for almejas a la marinera.
From Chequered Carpet Shell
Its production has been declining for decades for two reasons that go together: the parasite Perkinsus olseni, which causes perkinsosis, and competition from the introduced Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum.
From Chequered Carpet Shell
Archaeological shell remains in Denmark dated to the thirteenth century indicate that it reached Europe from America several centuries before Columbus's voyages.
From Sand Gaper
Its siphon is so long that it does not fit inside the shell, a trait that gives its family its name (Myidae).
From Sand Gaper

Ecosystems