Venus
Venus, also known as the “common clam” or “little neck clam,” is a bivalve mollusc belonging to the family Veneridae. It is a popular edible shellfish and a significant part of the marine ecosystem. This species can be found in various coastal environments, from intertidal zones to the continental shelf.
Scientific Classification
*Kingdom: Animalia *Phylum: Mollusca *Class: Bivalvia *Order: Veneroida *Family: Veneridae *Genus: Venus *Species: Venus mercenaria
Characteristics
*Shell: The shell of Venus mercenaria is typically heart-shaped, with a smooth, white, or cream-colored exterior. The interior is usually pearly white with a darker purple or brown hinge area. *Size: Adult clams can grow to be 4-6 inches in length. *Habitat: Venus clams inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal areas, often burrowing into the sediment. *Diet: They are filter feeders, using their gills to extract food particles from the water. *Reproduction: Venus clams are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes. Fertilization occurs externally, and larvae spend several weeks as plankton before settling to the bottom.
Environment
*Water Depth: Venus clams can be found in intertidal zones, but they are more abundant in shallow water up to 100 feet deep. *Temperature: They thrive in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. *Salinity: They tolerate a wide range of salinities, from brackish to full marine conditions.
References
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) * ScienceDirect * World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)