Boring Venus Shell
NameBoring Venus Shell
Scientific NameGemma gemma
Common NameBoring Venus Shell
FamilyVeneridae
GenusGemma
Speciesgemma
Geographic DistributionNative to the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to Florida. It has been introduced and is now established on the Pacific coast of North America.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Typically measures between 2 to 5 mm in length, making it one of the smallest bivalves.
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its extremely small size, the presence of prominent and regular concentric growth ridges, its characteristic triangular-ovate shape, and often a distinctive purplish tint on the umbo and interior.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Totten, 1834)
Description
A small, bivalve mollusk shell, typically ovate to triangular-ovate in shape, characterized by prominent, regular concentric growth ridges. The shell exhibits a pale, often yellowish-brown or off-white coloration, sometimes with purplish or reddish-brown tints, particularly towards the umbo and along the ridges. It is a robust yet diminutive clam.
