The Sand Cockle, scientifically known as Acanthocardia spinosa, is a species of marine bivalve mollusk found in the coastal waters of Europe. This cockle is recognized for its distinctive features and plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Sand Cockle is a medium-sized bivalve, typically reaching a maximum size of around 8 cm in length. Its shell is heart-shaped and possesses a distinctive, rough surface covered in numerous prominent, spiny ribs. The shell color varies from white to cream, often displaying reddish-brown markings.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Sand Cockle thrives in sandy substrates, inhabiting the intertidal and subtidal zones of the seafloor. It is commonly found in depths ranging from the low tide mark to approximately 50 meters. The distribution of Acanthocardia spinosa extends across the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, encompassing areas from Norway and Iceland in the north to Morocco and the Canary Islands in the south. It is particularly abundant in the North Sea and English Channel, where its populations are known to be dense.
Taxonomy
The species Acanthocardia spinosa belongs to the family Cardiidae, which encompasses a diverse group of bivalves commonly known as cockles. The Cardiidae family, in turn, is classified within the order Cardiida, a group characterized by their heart-shaped shells. These orders and families fall under the Class Bivalvia, a large and diverse class of marine mollusks known for their two-part hinged shells.
Feeding
The Sand Cockle is a filter feeder, obtaining its nourishment by actively filtering plankton and other organic matter from the surrounding water. This feeding strategy makes it a key component of the marine food web, contributing to the overall health and stability of the ecosystem.
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