Clinocardium Nuttallii (Nuttal's Cockle)

Description:

• Bilateral Symmetry
• Heart-like shaped.
• Outer lip of flesh around the margin of the shell sports tiny tentacles and eyes that are used to detect nearby movement and chemicals.
• Ability to sense and avoid danger by using its well-developed foot to flip away.
• Live anywhere between 15 and 19 years.
• Average size ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 inches.

Taxonomy:

• Animalia
• Mollusca
• Bivalvia
• Veneroida
• Cardiidae
• Clinocardium
• C.Nuttalli

Ecology/ Features:

• Found in muddy to pure sand in sheltered conditions
• Found in vertical ranges from mid intertidal to a depth of 100 feet.
• Areas that support eelgrass tend to have a higher population.
• May contain small commensal pea crab inside the mantle cavity that feeds on materials strained out of the incurrent water stream by the clam's gills.
• Feeds on algae.
• Reproduction occurs in spring.
• Stays attached with mother until full maturation stage is reached.