Moroccan Cockles, scientifically known as Acanthocardia tuberculata, are a species of saltwater clam found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. These cockles are notable for their distinctive, knobby shells and their role in the marine ecosystem.
Description and Characteristics
The Moroccan Cockle is a medium-sized clam with a heart-shaped shell that can reach a maximum size of 7 cm. The shell is characterized by prominent, rounded tubercles or bumps that cover its surface, giving it a textured appearance. The color of the shell can vary, ranging from whitish to pale brown with reddish-brown markings. The inside of the shell is typically white or pale pink.
Habitat and Occurrence
Moroccan Cockles prefer to live in sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal areas, usually at depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters. They are commonly found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the waters surrounding the British Isles, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. This wide distribution means they inhabit both the neritic zone, the shallow coastal waters, and the upper bathyal zone, the deeper waters beyond the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Moroccan Cockle, Acanthocardia tuberculata, is a member of the Cardiidae family, commonly known as cockle clams. These clams belong to the Cardiida order, which encompasses a diverse group of bivalves. All of these are part of the Class: Bivalvia, which encompasses a vast array of marine organisms with two hinged shells.
Feeding
Moroccan Cockles are considered food specialists. They primarily feed on microscopic organisms called phytoplankton, which they filter from the water using their gills. The cockles draw water into their bodies, filtering out the phytoplankton and expelling the water through a different siphon. This filtering process is essential for the health of marine ecosystems, as it helps to maintain water clarity and regulate nutrient levels.
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