The Poorly Ribbed Cockle – Acanthocardia paucicostata is a species of marine bivalve mollusk, commonly found in European waters. It’s a relatively small cockle, with its distinctive features making it easily recognizable.
Description & Characteristics
The Poorly Ribbed Cockle – Acanthocardia paucicostata – is characterized by its relatively smooth shell compared to other cockle species. The shell, which can reach a maximum size of around 4 cm, is typically heart-shaped with a slightly flattened appearance. It is pale in color, often with shades of white, pink, or orange, and is marked with fine, irregular radial ribs, giving it its name. The shell’s surface is also marked with fine concentric lines.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Poorly Ribbed Cockle – Acanthocardia paucicostata – primarily inhabits the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the waters around the British Isles, France, and Spain. It’s often found in the intertidal zone, but can also be found at depths of up to 100 meters. This species is particularly common in sandy and muddy sediments, where it thrives in the conditions of the neritic zone.
Taxonomy
The species Acanthocardia paucicostata belongs to the Class: Bivalvia, Order: Cardiida, and Family: Cardiidae. This classification places it within a large group of marine bivalves known for their heart-shaped shells, including other well-known species like the edible cockle.
Feeding
Like most bivalves, the Poorly Ribbed Cockle – Acanthocardia paucicostata – is a suspension feeder. It obtains its food by filtering plankton and other microscopic organisms from the water column. This method of feeding is essential for its survival in its marine environment.
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