Ensis
Ensis is a genus of bivalve mollusks commonly known as razor clams. They are elongated, narrow, and wedge-shaped, with a smooth, shiny shell. Razor clams are highly valued as a food source and are often harvested commercially and recreationally.
Common Names
Razor clams are known by various common names, including:
- Razor clam
- Sand knife
- Spout
- Jackknife clam
- Atlantic razor clam
- Pacific razor clam
Characteristics
Razor clams have several distinguishing characteristics:
- Elongated, narrow shell: Their shell is typically long and thin, with a wedge-shaped profile.
- Smooth, shiny shell: The shell surface is smooth and glossy, often with a pale yellowish-brown color.
- Siphons: Razor clams have two siphons, a short inhalant siphon and a longer exhalant siphon, which they use to filter food from the water.
- Strong foot: They possess a muscular foot that allows them to burrow rapidly into sand.
- Size: Razor clams can grow up to 15 cm in length.
Environment
Razor clams are found in sandy or muddy intertidal and subtidal zones along coastlines worldwide. They bury themselves in the sediment, leaving only their siphons exposed to the water. They are filter feeders, feeding on plankton and other organic matter.
References
For more information on Ensis, refer to these reliable sources: