African Venus
NameAfrican Venus
Scientific NameCircumphalus africanus
Common NameAfrican Venus, African Hard Clam
FamilyVeneridae
GenusCircumphalus
Speciesafricanus
Geographic DistributionWest Africa, ranging from Mauritania to Angola.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)50-70
Identifying FeaturesProminent, regular concentric growth ridges are a key feature. The shell has an ovate to sub-trigonal shape and a characteristic pinkish-purple to reddish-brown coloration with variable markings. The interior is typically pale pinkish-cream.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
A bivalve mollusk shell, typically ovate to sub-trigonal in shape, characterized by its pinkish-purple to reddish-brown coloration, often with lighter patches and distinct concentric growth lines. The interior is smooth and pale pinkish-cream.
