Chocolate Clam
NameChocolate Clam
Scientific NameMegapitaria squalida
Common NameChocolate Clam
FamilyVeneridae
GenusMegapitaria
Speciessqualida
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Baja California, Mexico, southwards to Peru.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)Up to 120 mm, commonly 60-80 mm.
Identifying FeaturesThick, smooth, and glossy shell; characteristic chocolate brown color; prominent concentric growth lines; oval to sub-trigonal shape; moderately inflated valves.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(G.B. Sowerby I, 1835)
Description
A bivalve mollusk characterized by its thick, smooth, and glossy shell, typically displaying a rich chocolate to reddish-brown coloration. The shell is oval to sub-trigonal in shape, moderately inflated, and features distinct concentric growth lines.
