Acanthocardia
Acanthocardia is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Cardiidae, the cockles. These clams are commonly referred to as “spiny cockles” due to their characteristic spiny shells. They are found in various parts of the world, inhabiting both shallow and deeper waters.
Common Names
Common names for species in the genus Acanthocardia include:
- Spiny cockle
- Thorny cockle
- Edible cockle
Characteristics
Acanthocardia clams are characterized by their distinctive shells, which are typically heart-shaped and ornamented with prominent, radiating ribs that are often tipped with spines. The shell surface is usually white or yellowish, sometimes tinged with pink or brown. The size of the shell can vary depending on the species, ranging from a few centimeters to several centimeters in length.
Environments
Acanthocardia clams are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Sandy bottoms
- Muddy bottoms
- Rocky shores
- Seagrass meadows
They are typically found in shallow waters, but some species can also be found in deeper waters, up to several hundred meters deep.
References
For further information on the genus Acanthocardia, refer to the following resources:
- World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS): https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=138078
- Encyclopedia of Life (EOL): https://eol.org/pages/45759/overview