The Pullet Carpet Shell – Venerupis corrugata is a species of saltwater clam, a bivalve mollusk. It is a common and commercially important species, prized for its delicate flavor.
Description & Characteristics
The Pullet Carpet Shell, Venerupis corrugata, is a medium-sized clam with a distinctive, corrugated shell. The shell is typically oval-shaped and can reach a maximum size of about 6 cm in length. The exterior surface is marked by concentric ridges or “corrugations” that give the shell its characteristic texture. The color of the shell can vary from light brown to dark brown or even reddish-brown, with lighter, almost white areas interspersed. The inside of the shell is smooth and white, with a pearly sheen.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Pullet Carpet Shell – Venerupis corrugata thrives in shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms, often in areas with moderate wave action. It is commonly found in the intertidal zone, meaning the area that is exposed to air at low tide. These clams are typically found at depths ranging from the low tide mark to about 20 meters. The Venerupis corrugata is a species that thrives in the neritic zone, the area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Pullet Carpet Shell, Venerupis corrugata, belongs to the Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, and Family: Veneridae. This family encompasses a diverse range of clams and includes several other commercially important species.
Feeding
The Venerupis corrugata, like most other bivalves, is a suspension feeder. It obtains its food by filtering microscopic organisms, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton, from the water column. This feeding mechanism contributes to the clam’s role in maintaining water clarity and nutrient cycling in its marine environment.
Image References