Florida Tivela
NameFlorida Tivela
Scientific NameTivela floridana
Common NameFlorida Tivela
FamilyVeneridae
GenusTivela
Speciesfloridana
Geographic DistributionSoutheastern United States, primarily along the coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, glossy, trigonal-ovate shell; strong hinge with prominent cardinal teeth (though not fully visible in this view); clean, somewhat thick appearance of the valve.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Olsson & Harbison, 1953)
Description
The Florida Tivela (*Tivela floridana*) is a bivalve mollusk characterized by its smooth, glossy, and relatively thick shell. The shell is typically trigonal-ovate in shape, with a porcelaneous interior that is off-white to pale cream, often exhibiting a yellowish or brownish tint near the umbo, as seen in this specimen. It is an equivalve and inequilateral shell. Adults typically reach an average size of 20-30 mm. This species is endemic to the southeastern United States, particularly the coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, where it inhabits sandy substrates in shallow marine waters, from the intertidal to subtidal zones. As a filter feeder, it consumes plankton and organic detritus.
