Chione tumens
NameChione tumens
Scientific NameChione tumens
Common NameTumid Venus clam
FamilyVeneridae
GenusChione
Speciestumens
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific, ranging from Baja California, Mexico, southwards along the coast to Peru.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)40
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive cancellate sculpture formed by intersecting concentric growth lamellae and radial ribs. The shell is equivalve and inequilateral. The interior typically features a well-defined pallial sinus and three cardinal teeth in each valve (not visible in the image). The mottled brown and white coloration is also a key feature.
Raritycommon
Author CitationCarpenter, 1857
Description
A medium-sized bivalve shell, typically ovate to subtrigonal in shape, characterized by a robust and moderately inflated valve. The shell surface displays a distinctive cancellate sculpture, formed by the intersection of prominent concentric growth lamellae and radial ribs. The coloration is a mottled pattern of dark brown with irregular white or cream-colored patches and spots, often concentrated on the raised sculptural elements. The specimen in the image shows a predatory drill hole, indicating a common interaction with other marine organisms.
