Giant Heart Cockle
NameGiant Heart Cockle
Scientific NameCorculum cardissa
Common NameGiant Heart Cockle
FamilyCardiidae
GenusCorculum
Speciescardissa
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas from East Africa to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of northern Australia.
Average Size (mm)85
Identifying FeaturesIts most striking features are its heart-shaped profile (when viewed from the anterior/posterior), prominent concentric ribs, and a flattened, somewhat triangular cross-section. The shell can be partially translucent, allowing symbiotic zooxanthellae to photosynthesize.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
The image displays two halves of a bivalve shell, likely from a single specimen, resting on light-colored sand. The shells are off-white to cream, characterized by prominent, rounded, concentric ribs that give them a corrugated appearance. The overall form, particularly the distinct ribbing and subtle curvature, is consistent with a heart cockle. The interior of one shell shows a faint golden-brown hue along the grooves, contrasting with the lighter exterior.
