Species
large-neck clam
SPECIES
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumMollusca
- ClassBivalvia
- OrderMyida
- FamilyMyidae
Habitatmarine
Biology/Natural History: This clam has been introduced from the Atlantic, being first seen in San Francisco Bay in 1874. It slowly spread north, and reached Alaska in the 1950's. By the 1920's it seems to have largely displaced the native clams in San Francisco Bay. This clam has long siphons, and can be 20-35 cm below the surface. It can live anaerobically for several days, and dissolves the shell to buffer acidity in these conditions. In San Francisco Bay its optimal intertidal depth is 30 cm above zero tide line. The siphons appear as slits at the surface of the mud, and emit a spurt of water as they contract if one steps near them. This clam burrows only slowly, without using the foot much. Burrowing is by closing the valves and forcefully ejecting water. Predators include skates, rays, and sharks. Predators in Europe include oystercatchers and curlews, from which the clams have a refuge in depth if over 15 cm deep. May contain pea crab symbionts. Mature at about 2-4.5 cm, and spawn in spring or summer. This species is highly esteemed for food.
via GBIF
Wikidata facts
Gallery (3)
Connections
Categories
Animal taxa named by Carl LinnaeusClamsCommercial molluscsExtant Miocene first appearancesFauna of the Northeastern United StatesFauna of the Southeastern United StatesInvasive species in UkraineMarine molluscs of EuropeMarine molluscs of North AmericaMiocene animals of North AmericaMolluscs described in 1758Molluscs of the Atlantic Ocean